Must-See Art Museums in Iowa Worth Exploring
Iowa is home to a select group of art museums that are renowned for their modern and contemporary art collections, educational initiatives, and dynamic event schedules. Here, we highlight the Des Moines Art Center, the Figge Art Museum, and several other notable institutions that contribute to Iowa's vibrant cultural scene.
The **Des Moines Art Center**, located in the state's capital, is a premier art museum known for its exceptional collection and architectural significance. Boasting a modern and contemporary art collection of over 6,000 works, the museum offers guided and self-guided tours tailored to various interests and functions as both a museum and an art education space. The museum's unique selling point is its customizable event venues, including a 220-seat theater, cafe, and outdoor courtyards, ideal for workshops, lectures, and receptions. The museum shop and tranquil outdoor seating enhance the visitor experience, supporting local artists and community programming.
In 2002, the museum acquired Grant Wood's original studio at 5 Turner Alley, where he created many of his masterpieces. The museum also operates the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an outdoor space featuring sculptures in Western Gateway Park downtown.
The **Figge Art Museum** in Davenport is another key player in Iowa's art scene. Established in 1925, the museum's collection exceeds 4,000 works, with highlights including American Regionalist art, Haitian and Colonial Mexican art, European masterpieces, and East Asian works. The museum participates in national initiatives and organizes exhibitions featuring internationally renowned artists, with programs running for extended periods. The Figge Art Museum regularly updates its programming with travelling shows and collaborations with major institutions, broadening access to world-class art.
The **Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA)**, founded in 1905, is located in downtown Cedar Rapids. The museum's unique architectural space combines the historic Carnegie Library with a modern addition designed by Charles Moore in 1989. The CRMA houses over 7,800 works spanning from Roman antiquity to contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on American art from the early 20th century. The museum features significant collections of works by Marvin Cone, Bertha Jaques, and Mauricio Lasansky, as well as a distinguished array of ancient Roman portrait busts. The CRMA boasts the world's largest collection of works by Grant Wood, including notable pieces like "Woman with Plants" and "Young Corn."
The **University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art** in Iowa City houses approximately 17,000 objects and features significant works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Max Beckmann, Joan Miró, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Grant Wood. The museum's collection includes the Stanley Collection of African Art, comprising nearly 2,000 objects.
In addition to these institutions, Iowa is home to **Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School** in Decorah, which focuses on Norwegian-American folk art, and the **Brunnier Art Museum** within the Scheman Building at Iowa State University. The Brunnier Art Museum is a distinctive art museum in Iowa, renowned for its focus on decorative arts, and holds the unique distinction of being the state's only accredited museum emphasizing a decorative arts collection.
Iowa's art museums offer something for everyone, whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience. With their extensive collections, educational programs, and dynamic event schedules, these museums are a testament to Iowa's commitment to arts and culture.
The Des Moines Art Center, with its vast collection of modern and contemporary art, offers a range of events that cater to various interests, serving not only as a museum but also as an art education space. Its outdoor Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases sculptures in Western Gateway Park, enhancing the visitor experience.
The Figge Art Museum in Davenport boasts an impressive collection of American Regionalist art, European masterpieces, and Asian works, and is known for its extensive programming run for extended periods. The museum collaborates with major institutions, offering traveling shows to broaden access to world-class art.
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA) houses more than 7,800 works from Roman antiquity to contemporary art, with a notable emphasis on American art from the early 20th century. The CRMA also holds the world's largest collection of works by Grant Wood.
Iowa's cultural scene also includes the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, which houses significant works by renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock and Grant Wood, as well as the Brunnier Art Museum, a distinctive art museum focusing on decorative arts and holding the unique distinction of being the only accredited museum emphasizing a decorative arts collection in the state.
In Decorah, Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, showcases Norwegian-American folk art, adding to the diversity of Iowa's art offerings. Iowa's art museums cater to a variety of interests, making them a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a unique cultural experience.
