Imagine being able to just waltz into any one of the four major Grand Rapids museums, skip the front desk and wander directly into the exhibits without being stopped by security.

In an unprecedented move, the four major Grand Rapids museums announced plans to open their doors to all comers on four occasions. Under the banner of "4 Sundays, 4 Museums, Free Admission" the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will all offer free admission from noon until 5 p.m. during four occasions in 2012 beginning on Jan. 22.

While each individual museum has periodically offered free or reduced admission, the combination of incentives by all four museums on a regular, quarterly basis has the potential to increase regular downtown foot traffic, especially with regards to families with children. A family of five could save as much as $114 on admission if all family members visited each museum on one of the "Free 4 All" days. Cha-ching!

The hope is the increased downtown traffic will boost local businesses as well as give non-members of the downtown museums reason to consider the perks of membership. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to become familiar with the downtown shops, parking and restaurants.

"The beauty of the collaboration for museums is that they are able to offer their core exhibits and basic programs without using precious resources to create or accommodate a special event," said Organizer Rebecca Westphal in a press release.

Free general admission will be offered during these Museums Free 4 All dates and hours:

Sunday, Jan. 22, noon–5 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, noon–5 p.m.
Sunday, July 15, noon–5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 21, noon–5 p.m.

Any special programming or exhibit fees may still apply.