The Putnam Museum and Science Center is thrilled to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Narwhals: Revealing an Arctic Legend. From their depiction in the 1500s as angry sea monsters to their status as icons of pop culture today, the narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend in Inuit and European society and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. This mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem are highlighted in this Smithsonian traveling exhibition. Developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and its Arctic Studies Center and organized... Read More

Families of all ages can expect tons of fun while attending a Polar Express Pajama Party — a QC holiday tradition that is over ten years strong! You and your family will enjoy the magnificent holiday classic The Polar Express 3D on the GIANT Screen in the comfort of your PJs and take part in holiday activities for all ages, including face painting, hot chocolate bar, a make-n-take sleigh bell station, a souvenir Putnam ornament, and a lights-out adventure through the museum exhibits. This event has proven time and again to be a blast for the entire family and shows sell out FAST! When: December... Read More

Now open, the Putnam Museum and Science Center’s newest exhibit Akwaaba: West African Cultures is the second exhibit in the World Culture Gallery. The World Culture Gallery showcases cultures from around the world as reflected in the museum’s historic collection and rich partnership in the Quad Cities’ international community. A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Putnam houses a collection entrusted to the museum by seven generations of Quad Citians, including objects from the world travels of some of the museum’s founders such as the Putnam, Palmer, and Figge families. West Africa... Read More

The Family Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving those in the Quad Cities area, will be launching its seventh Family Discount Mondays program this summer to support local non-profit organizations. This year’s dates are June 13, June 20, July 11, 18 & 25. Discount Days gives the general public an opportunity to visit Quad City attractions at a greatly discounted admission rate. The following Quad City nonprofit attractions are participating in Discount Days this year: The Family Museum, Bettendorf Putnam Museum, Davenport Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center, Davenport Riverside... Read More

Celebrate the 7th year of this annual June event in the Quad Cities. Museum Week was created to celebrate our region’s museums, their amazing collections, stories, history, and their importance to the QC. The Quad Cities is home to more than 10 museums and each one offers something completely different to appeal to a variety of audiences and ages. During Quad Cities Museum Week, local museums offer discounts, special events/exhibits, or tours, making it the perfect time for families and friends to get out and explore.  Each museum experience is different and unique. Come on out and explore! ... Read More

Looking for fun things for your kids to do this summer? Looking to keep your children active during the next couple of months? There are a number of activities they can sign up for, from reading clubs to roller derby and more! Here’s a rundown of some of the favorites: Family Museum – Summer Camps – Early Learning Program Bett-PV Youth Baseball – Registration for ages 15-20 – Info – Meeting – May 1 Putnam – Destinations – Saturday Workshops (Grade 3-5) Apr. 16 – May 28 | Summer Camp Bettendorf Aquatics – Learn to Swim –... Read More

Saturday in the Arts is a weekly feature covering a trend, subject, event or personality of local interest. It runs every Saturday morning on your site for the best entertainment and arts coverage in the area, QuadCities.com! This past week has been another major one for the Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport. On Jan. 17 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), Putnam CEO Rachael Mullins attended an exciting announcement from the Friends of MLK, Inc. The Quad Cities non-profit announced Monday that a new $1-million park will be built to honor Dr. King, outside its building... Read More

The Putnam’s next exhibition is a ride through history on two wheels. Winter Wheels: Antique Motorcycle Exhibition will run from November 13, 2021 – April 3, 2022. This original, community-curated exhibition features vintage, classic, and antique motorcycles of all makes and models, all displayed at the Putnam Museum and Science Center, the Quad Cities’ Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. “From the beginning, Winter Wheels was meant as a celebration of the motorcycle by showcasing bikes of all shapes and sizes, and our community has not disappointed,” Putnam Vice President of Museum... Read More

The Putnam’s next exhibition is a ride through history on two wheels. Winter Wheels: Antique Motorcycle Exhibition will run from November 13, 2021 – April 3, 2022. This original, community-curated exhibition features vintage, classic, and antique motorcycles of all makes and models, all displayed at the Putnam Museum and Science Center, the Quad Cities’ Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. “From the beginning, Winter Wheels was meant as a celebration of the motorcycle by showcasing bikes of all shapes and sizes, and our community has not disappointed,” Putnam Vice President of Museum... Read More

Putnam Museum in Davenport will hold its Mad Scientist Ball Saturday night! Though we hoped for an in-person annual Mad Scientist Ball, we’re keeping the safety of our community in mind and providing an opportunity to celebrate the Putnam’s impact on our community with a raffle and virtual auction! You can purchase raffle tickets and select which raffles you’d like to enter before it closes at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 23 for the chance to win exciting baskets filled to the brim. There’s something for everyone and by participating you’ll help ensure that the inspiring education that... Read More