News Summary
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has closed its doors after unstable pharmaceuticals were found in an exhibit during a routine inspection. The museum’s collections team discovered nitroglycerin pills and bandages soaked in picric acid within the Rudell Drug Store display. The items were securely contained, prompting immediate action from the museum staff and local authorities to ensure public safety. The museum plans to reopen the following day, and ticket holders are being offered refunds or rescheduling options.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) closed its doors on Wednesday after the discovery of unstable pharmaceuticals within one of its exhibits. The items were found during a routine curatorial review by the museum’s collections team in the Rudell Drug Store display, which is part of the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit.
During the inspection, museum staff identified two types of pharmaceuticals: nitroglycerin pills and bandages soaked in picric acid. Nitroglycerin is commonly used in medical treatments for heart conditions, but it is known to be explosive when not handled correctly. Picric acid, historically utilized to treat burns, has fallen out of favor in medical applications due to its hazardous nature.
The pharmaceuticals were securely contained within glass cases, a standard practice at the museum, which maintains a climate-controlled environment to preserve its exhibits. Following the discovery of the medications, the museum immediately closed and notified public safety officials for assistance in removing the items safely. The Grand Rapids Police Department’s bomb squad was called in to respond, ensuring that the unstable pharmaceuticals were handled appropriately.
The Rudell Drug Store exhibit is a historically accurate reproduction of an early 20th-century pharmacy from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, illustrating the local history of medicine and pharmacy practices. GRPM staff regularly conduct reviews of exhibit items and update safety protocols to guarantee visitor safety as well as the preservation of the collection.
In a public post on Facebook, the museum communicated the unexpected closure, citing “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason. The museum indicated that it would reopen the following day, Thursday, June 26, at 9 a.m., allowing visitors to explore its various other exhibits.
For visitors who had already purchased tickets for Wednesday, the museum has arranged for refunds or the option to reschedule their visits for another day. The museum encourages affected patrons to reach out for assistance regarding their ticketing options.
As the health and safety of its visitors remain a priority, the Grand Rapids Public Museum continues to implement preventive measures and protocols in response to unexpected findings like these pharmaceuticals. With its extensive collection and commitment to education, GRPM aims to ensure a safe and enriching experience for everyone.
As the museum prepares to reopen, the immediate focus will be on reiterating safety measures and maintaining rigorous standards in collections management, ensuring that all displays meet health and safety regulations for the protection of both the artifacts and the public.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 17: Unstable Old Drugs Force Grand Rapids Public Museum to Close
- MLive: Grand Rapids Public Museum Closes Unexpectedly
- WWMT: Grand Rapids Public Museum Closes Due to Unstable Drugs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Wood Radio: GRPM Temporarily Closed After Unstable Drugs Found
- Google News: Grand Rapids Public Museum
