THE GREATEST AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION
The Promise of Liberty
The centerpiece of all of the museum’s semiquincentennial activities, the one-of-a-kind, original exhibition entitled The Promise of Liberty will feature the most important historical American objects of art, science, history, and achievement ever to be assembled in the greater Peoria area. The greatest collection of American historical documents is coming to the Peoria Riverfront Museum including the Declaration of Independence, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream Speech, and more.
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Ken Burns - Guest Curator
The acclaimed documentary filmmaker has been named guest curator at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for its upcoming major exhibition celebrating America's 250th birthday in 2026. Click below to see a video that outlines Ken’s vision for the exhibition.
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Join Us
All of our museum’s exhibitions, programs, and events starting this fall 2025 will be focused within the America 250 theme. The planned America 250 centerpiece is the major exhibition scheduled to open January 31, 2026 and run through the year. Sign up for our regular update emails so you don’t miss out on exciting announcements.
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America 250 Exhibitions
2026 marks 250 years of American history, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum will be at the forefront of celebrating this important milestone in our nation's history with exhibitions of art, science, history and achievement.
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Events and Performances
America’s 250th anniversary is a celebration! Join us for events and performances through the year of 2026 as we celebrate two hundred and fifty years of American music, art, innovation and achievement.