Big wonders in small spaces: Midwest Miniatures Museum unveils major expansion

GRAND HAVEN — The Midwest Miniatures Museum will officially kick off its 2026 season on Wednesday, April 8, with the grand debut of a highly anticipated second-floor expansion, featuring three new galleries and a unique centerpiece.

The museum, which is housed in the historic Robbins House, features the artistry of fine-scale miniatures.

The new galleries are dedicated to maritime history, French architecture and contemporary miniature art, significantly increasing the institution's footprint and exhibition capacity.

The star of the new season is undoubtedly a 10.5-foot-long recreation of the RMS Titanic. Although the scale is massive for a miniature, the detail is even more staggering: It was meticulously constructed from 75,000 toothpicks.

The piece is part of the newly acquired Carole and Barry Kaye Collection, a prestigious assemblage of fine-scale artistry widely considered among the best in the country.

“The Carole and Barry Kaye Collection brings pieces of remarkable artistry and historical significance to our community,” said Chris Green, executive director of the museum. “We are honored to be their stewards.”

Despite the move to the second floor, the museum has prioritized inclusivity. For guests unable to navigate the stairs, a new digital exhibit experience has been installed on the first floor, offering a high-definition virtual tour of the upper galleries.

The 2026 season is scheduled to run through Jan. 3, 2027. Following the season's end, the museum will briefly close to begin Phase 2 of its expansion project, signaling that even more "small" surprises are on the horizon.

The museum's hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday each week and noon-4 p.m. on Sundays.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for youth 6-17 and free for children 5 and younger.

Learn more at midwestminiaturesmuseum.org.

— Submitted by the Midwest Miniatures Museum. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.