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One of my favorite traditions of the fall season in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is experiencing ArtPrize. As an ever-evolving art festival, ArtPrize features hundreds of unique exhibits ranging from large sculptures and traditional paintings to performance art and hands-on community-created pieces.

ArtPrize takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from September 18 – October 4, 2025.

If you want to see the best of ArtPrize in one hour, I’m sharing the top art venues to make the most of your time. If you have extra time to explore more of Grand Rapids, check out my additional recommendations at the end.

Save this article, as I will keep it updated when the Top 100 and the final winners are announced!

Need to Know Info for ArtPrize 2025

ArtPrize Clubhouse: Located at 40 Pearl St NW, this venue serves as a central hub for ArtPrize information. Here you’ll find concierge services, official ArtPrize merchandise, and art workshops.

Floxx voting app: Hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money go to artists each year, and you can help choose the winners. For your first vote, you need to be in the ArtPrize district. Simply scan the QR code for an entry, register through the Flockx app, and vote for your favorite art. After that, you can vote from anywhere.

Where to Park for ArtPrize

While Grand Rapids has lots of metered street parking throughout the city, parking ramps are usually a sure bet to find an open spot.

Here are a couple of parking ramps very convenient to the center of downtown:

Government Center Ramp (300 Monroe Ave NW), located just across from DeVos Place
Louis Campau Ramp (43 Monroe Ave NW), one block from the Amway Grand
Monroe Center Ramp (50 Ottawa Ave NW), across the street from the Grand Rapids Art Museum

See the Best of ArtPrize in One Hour

When it comes to art, what constitutes “the best” is very subjective. A more accurate title might be “See Some of the Most Popular Art Exhibits Conveniently Clustered Together in Downtown Grand Rapids in 1 Hour.” Whew, but that’s a mouthful.

3 Popular ArtPrize Venues

DeVos Place Convention Center
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

DeVos Place Convention Center

303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you only have time to visit one venue, DeVos Place is packed with fascinating art. With towering ceilings and glass windows, the main lobby and upper halls of DeVos Place provide an ideal location to feature artwork. Notable exhibits at DeVos Place include:

My Poem Your Topic by Endlesswill: Write down one word and Endlesswill will type out a short, original poem based on that word. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience at ArtPrize.
One Line Morgan Freeman by Stephanie Glen Ducasse: An amazingly detailed portrait of Morgan Freeman, hand-drawn using one continuous line.
The Forest by Robert VanderZee: A thought-provoking series of vivid paintings depicting the destructive nature of humans amidst a forest setting.

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

With crystal chandeliers and luxurious velvet furniture, the lush interior of the Amway Grand creates a beautiful backdrop for displaying art. Notable exhibits at the Amway Grand include:

WALK OFF by Shelley Lynn van Gilse: A bold painting inspired by the Detroit Tigers mascot and team colors.
Nostalgia Reimagined by Dorelle H Brock: This whimsical series of iconic cartoon and movie characters reimagined in abstract paintings from 2024 is back and transformed into 3D sculpture versions. A crowd-pleaser for the young at heart!

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Walk along the sidewalk and fountain area outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to observe interesting outdoor sculptures and exhibits. Take advantage of the free museum admission available during ArtPrize, and scope out the art displays inside as well. Some notable exhibits at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum are:

Sailing into the Storm by John Katerberg: Underlayers of metal create a mesmerizing effect of movement when this painting is viewed in person.
Bug Hotel by Justin LaDoux: A multi-purpose scrap metal sculpture to celebrate and serve as an actual habitat for pollinators.
Arras by Mark Lewanski: A rainbow tapestry crafted from the most surprising material – strands of glass!
Daydreamers by Wayne Williams: A series of vibrant portraits inspired by the Cubism style.

While you’re here at the museum, don’t miss a stroll through Ah-Nab-Awen Park along the Grand River for lovely bridge and city skyline views.

Explore More in Grand Rapids

While I’ve covered some of the prime ArtPrize locations, there is still so much more to see and do in Grand Rapids! If you have additional time, I highly recommend doing one or more of the following.

1. Check out more amazing ArtPrize venues.

Head to these additional venues with stellar art:

The Atrium at Ucello’s Downtown
JW Marriot
Sixth Street Park
Monroe Community Church
Veterans Memorial Park
The Blue Bridge

2. Dine at one of Grand Rapids’ many fine restaurants.

Some of my personal favorites include:

Roam by San Chez, featuring a global street menu
Field & Fire, a sustainability-focused bakery and cafe
Brewery Vivant for craft beers and pub fare
Donkey Taqueria for tasty Mexican cuisine

3. Visit additional local attractions that feature ArtPrize exhibits and more.

Top local attractions worth your time:

4. Experience the art exhibits at night.

While most art exhibits are better viewed in the daylight, there are always a few displays that come alive in the evening.

No matter how long you have to explore, there is definitely time to see some new and exciting art pieces at ArtPrize!

See more: ArtPrize Grand Rapids 2025 | Top 10 Things to Know & Do

Exploring ArtPrize 2025: Where to Find the BEST Art Exhibits