Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences

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Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences was a public museum of science and culture in Peoria, Illinois. It operated from 1965 to 2012, and its assets were transferred to the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which opened in October 2012 in downtown Peoria.

Origins and building
In 1954, 26 arts and science groups formed the Arts and Science Council to create a place for exhibitions and education. By 1961, a campaign had raised about $1 million for construction on Lake Avenue. The project began as Lakeview Center, named after the Lakeview recreation camp in East Peoria (1923–1954). Phase 1 included a 36-foot planetarium. Ground was broken on April 10, 1962, and it opened on June 9, 1963. The planetarium’s large scale solar-system display was recognized by Guinness in 1992.

Galleries and dedication
The museum’s galleries opened on March 28, 1965, and a time capsule was sealed in the floor during the dedication on March 27, 1965.

Name change and upgrades
In 1978, the name was changed to Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences. The museum raised another $1 million for facility upgrades.

Closure and successor
The museum closed in September 2012, as its functions moved to the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which opened in October 2012 in downtown Peoria.

Visitor numbers and address
The museum drew about 125,000 visitors. It was located at 1125 W. Lake Ave., Peoria, IL 61614-5985.