Museums and Exhibits to visit in Flint, MI

March 17th, 2022 by

Visiting museums and exhibits are a great way to expand your local knowledge or learn about art, science, and history from another time or culture. With frequently changing exhibits, museums are a fantastic place to visit often, so you can continue to see new artifacts, explore the work of contemporary artists, and engage with emerging scientific discoveries.

Flint, Michigan, has several attractions that you can stop by while you’re on vacation or if you’re a resident and you want to learn more about the city’s enriching and educational features. Whether you visit with friends and family members or plan a romantic outing, a museum is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Here are our suggestions for museums and exhibits to visit the next time you’re in Flint.

Flint Institute of Arts

A short drive from downtown Flint, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) is the second-largest art museum in Michigan and offers a wide variety of changing exhibits to feature the works of classic and contemporary artists. Aiming to educate a diverse audience of visitors, you can bring the whole family to this museum, as there are exhibits and activities for people of all ages.

If you’re a lifelong learner, you’ll love the museum’s world-renowned collection with over 8,500 objects that span from the 15th century to the present and highlight important paintings and sculptures from Europe and the United States. The FIA is passionate about making art accessible and approachable to all visitors, so you’ll enjoy your experience regardless of whether you’re an art history buff or not. You can also stop by to visit an educational lecture, community dialogue, educator workshop, art class, and more.

Flint Children’s Museum

You and your little ones can visit the Flint Children’s Museum for a day full of adventures, learning, and fun. Here you’ll find a variety of engaging hands-on activities and enriching play experiences that are aimed at children but create fun for the whole family. Stop by to spark your child’s imagination, and invite them to explore the arts, science, and culture through the museum’s variety of exhibits.

For over 40 years, this children’s museum has been an integral part of the community, serving children who potentially lack creative learning resources at school, and providing all visitors with the opportunity to learn, engage their curiosity, and bond with their families. The next time you’re in Flint with your loved ones, consider checking out this museum to make valuable memories together.

Whaley Historic House Museum

If you’re interested in visiting a historic site, stop but the Whaley Historic House Museum, the home of Robert J. Whaley and Mary McFarlan-Whaley, who lived in Flint starting in 1885. Here you and your loved ones can get a taste of the lives of Flint residents in the 1800s, and learn more about American politics, history, and the Whaley family. Depending on when you visit, you can also enjoy a variety of the museum’s special programs, including vintage baseball, Christmas at Whaley House, History Happy Hour lectures, and a quilting bee workshop series.

The variety of programs and frequent tours make it a great place to visit, whether you’re in town on vacation or you’re a local looking for a fun and enriching activity. While standard tours typically happen on the first and third Saturday of every month, you can call ahead and schedule one for when you and your loved ones decide to visit.

Longway Planetarium

The Longway Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Michigan and allows you and your companions to enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational shows related to science and astronomy. With new shows debuting three times a year, you can revisit the planetarium and continue to explore programs about wildlife, the universe, and more.

They also offer sensory-friendly shows all visitors can enjoy, and they host exciting events, like trivia night, that allow you to meet other travelers or members of the community while bonding with your loved ones. Whether you’re interested in nature, the stars, or rock music, you’ll be able to find a show you like at the Longway Planetarium.

Buckham Gallery

Stop by the Buckham Gallery, a nonprofit organization in downtown Flint led by art professionals and artists in the area. If you’re interested in local contemporary art, this is a great place to witness both visual installations and performances. As a Flint resident, their constantly changing exhibits allow you to keep in tune with groundbreaking art in your community. If you’re a local, this is also a great place to visit if friends and family are visiting and want to learn more about your hometown and community.

If you’re just in the city on vacation, this can be a great way to learn more about the Flint art scene and the culture of the area. Buckham Gallery also has several behind-the-scenes projects, including the BFAP Interns and the BFAP Writer in Residence, where they encourage, educate, and feature up-and-coming artists and art students. With exhibits that feature pieces in a variety of mediums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making the gallery is a wonderful way for you to spend a day with your friends and loved ones.

Well, there you have it, our list of the must-visit museums and exhibits in Flint, Michigan. Whether you’re a local looking for something fun to do with your kids, or you’re planning your itinerary for an upcoming trip to Flint, there are several museums and exhibits you can check out in and around the city. Exhibits are always changing, so consider revisiting these spots throughout the year to see new art installments and historical artifacts, and learn about emerging scientific developments.

Did we include the best local spots, or are there interesting and educational facilities that we missed? Contact us and we’ll be happy to update our list according to your recommendations so residents and travelers can enjoy all that the city of Flint has to offer.

Posted in Local News & Events