east front of museum with sky reflected in the glass

Visit

Our beautiful building is a cultural and social center where you can explore, unwind, meet, and create. Everyone is welcome.

Two students thoughtfully viewing artwork

Explore

Spark your curiosity with something new or stop by and see your old favorites.                                                                                                                                  

A group of three university students look at a large African mask

Discover

The world-class art collection provides exciting opportunities for teaching, learning, and research.                                                                            

Two women sitting on a green couch having a conversation

Events

There’s always something exciting going on at your art museum. Find out what’s coming up on the calendar.

Gallery Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–​​​​​​​4:30 p.m.​​​​​​​
Sunday: 12:00–4:30 p.m.

Admission to the museum building will end 5 minutes before gallery closing.

Office Hours

Monday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Current Exhibitions

Weaving Narrative: African Textiles in Iowa

Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity

In the Studio: Art at Iowa in the 1940s

Ethics, Art, and Connections with Nature: Exploring the Archaeological Cultures of Mill Creek and Glenwood

Aerial view of museum with campus recreation center on left and Main Library on right

The Building

Nestled between the Main Library and Campus Recreation and Wellness Center on the west side of Gibson Square Park, the new Stanley Museum of Art is a hub of learning and research for the University of Iowa and the state. The three-story, state-of-the-art building, designed by BNIM of Des Moines, Iowa, includes a range of flexible spaces for research, education, and exhibitions, and is ideally suited to serve as a center for interdisciplinary teaching, discovery, and community building.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Concert at the Stanley promotional image

Holiday Concert at the Stanley

Sunday, December 7, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art
Free annual holiday concert at the Stanley Museum of Art.
Chill & Create promotional image

Chill & Create

Friday, December 12, 2025 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Feeling stressed at the end of the semester? We invite you to take a creative relaxation break at the Stanley Museum of Art with Chill & Create, a workshop led by Dana Keeton, a local artist, art therapist, and mental health counselor.

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of collage materials to put together a collage with colors, textures and materials that feel relaxing and peaceful. The workshop will include strategies for calming and focusing.

Study at the Stanley promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, 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 post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

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