The Stanley offers University of Iowa students a variety of ways to get involved with the museum.

A wide range of programs and related initiatives offer many ways for students to experience the museum, both academically and socially.

Campus Engagement Coordinator Annelies Knight poses holding up a white t-shirt she has just printed three voting-inspired designs onto, tossing a smile over her shoulder.

Nights at the Museum

Monthly student programs held on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. 

Designed to introduce the museum to students across campus through engaging activities, Nights at the Museum events are organized with the assistance of the student Campus Engagement Coordinator.

Study at the Stanley

Weeklong drop-in study sessions held every semester during finals week in the museum lobby. Snacks and supplies are provided, and students are encouraged to take a break in the galleries between study sessions.

Students sit around a table, carving linoleum blocks to make stamps.

Additional Programs

Students can also check out a variety of free workshops, lectures, and activities held regularly at the museum.

Student Programs

Friday Crafternoons promotional image

Friday Crafternoons

Friday, August 14, 2026 1:00pm to 3:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Need a creative break at the end of the week? Swing by the Stanley on Friday afternoons to work on a craft project of your choice. Bring your own in-progress project or start a new one using the various supplies provided. Try your hand at sketching, coloring, knitting, embroidery, origami, and so much more in a relaxing, low-pressure environment. Stay as long as you like and make new connections. Light snacks will be provided.

Friday Crafternoons occurs almost every Friday at the Stanley Museum...

Friday Crafternoons promotional image

Friday Crafternoons

Friday, August 21, 2026 1:00pm to 3:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Need a creative break at the end of the week? Swing by the Stanley on Friday afternoons to work on a craft project of your choice. Bring your own in-progress project or start a new one using the various supplies provided. Try your hand at sketching, coloring, knitting, embroidery, origami, and so much more in a relaxing, low-pressure environment. Stay as long as you like and make new connections. Light snacks will be provided.

Friday Crafternoons occurs almost every Friday at the Stanley Museum...

Night at the Museum: September 2026 promotional image

Night at the Museum: September 2026

Thursday, September 10, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...

Night at the Museum: October 2026 promotional image

Night at the Museum: October 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...

Night at the Museum: November 2026 promotional image

Night at the Museum: November 2026

Thursday, November 12, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...

Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Tuesday, December 15, 2026 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, cider, coffee, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have sticky notes, highlighters, note cards, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Don't forget - if you've been visiting the Stanley this semester and getting stamps for...

Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Wednesday, December 16, 2026 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, cider, coffee, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have sticky notes, highlighters, note cards, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Don't forget - if you've been visiting the Stanley this semester and getting stamps for...

Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Thursday, December 17, 2026 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, cider, coffee, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have sticky notes, highlighters, note cards, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Don't forget - if you've been visiting the Stanley this semester and getting stamps for...

Night at the Museum: February 2027 promotional image

Night at the Museum: February 2027

Thursday, February 11, 2027 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...

Night at the Museum: March 2027 promotional image

Night at the Museum: March 2027

Thursday, March 11, 2027 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...