On Saturdays and Tuesdays now through December 29, learn about the history of beer, and get samples at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
According to the GRPM website, "the exhibition looks at life through beer-colored glasses...Thank you, BEER! highlights the intelligence and enlightenment of the famous brew, and the brewers who are exploring a whole new world of craftsmanship and taste. Learn about the ingredients and chemistry of brewing, the cultural contributions of beer, the failure of prohibition, and the role of beer in pop culture."
Admission to the exhibit is free with general admission. Pay $5 for five beer samples. Exhibition hours are Tuesdays from 5- 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Special events related to the exhibit include:
November 15 • Beer Styles and What They Mean to Us
Featuring Andrew VanTil, the first person to become a Certified Master Cicerone through the Cicerone Certification Program based in Chicago. A cicerone is the beer equivalent to a wine sommelier.
November 29 • Extreme Sides of Beer
December 6 • A Holiday Feast–A Story of Holiday Beers
Featured speaker is Brett VanderKamp from New Holland Brewing Company. We will look at the historical perspective of holiday ales and lagers, and the unique history of these styles. It will included a special feature on Samichlaus, being brewed on this exact day, and the unique tale of its history and fame.
December 13 • The Future of Beer
Dave Engbers from Founders Brewery, Jarred Sper from Perrin Brewing Company, and Jason Spaulding from Brewery Vivant will discuss the future of beer.
November 17 6:30-9:30 p.m. • Gourmet Pairing Dinner
Museum Chef Hans Dokl will present an elegant five-course dinner paired with beers made by the five winners of the Brewers' Challenge. Chef Hans will talk about the foods and their pairings, and the brewers will explain the chosen brews. The Museum’s special commemorative beer by Founders will also be featured as a special “Welcome Beer.”
Ticket Price: $45.00 per person; please note this event is for guests 21 and older. Purchase tickets to the Gourmet Pairing Dinner online or by calling 616-456-3977.
Hoppy Hour Tastings
Every Tuesday night from 5-8 p.m. and most Saturday afternoons from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. during the run of the exhibition, adults will be able to purchase and enjoy selected regional craft and national beers for $5. Free root beer samples will be offered for kids in Rudell Drug Store.
Dates: November 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
December 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29
Purchase tickets for Hoppy Hour Tastings at the bar located in the Lacks Gallery of the Museum.
Click here or call 616-456-3977 for more information.
Source: Grand Rapids Public Musuem
