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

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

Recent Acquisitions

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

Stanley Sage | Framing My Life Through Others Art with Pete Hartley promotional image

Stanley Sage | Framing My Life Through Others Art with Pete Hartley

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 10:30am to 11:30am
Stanley Museum of Art
Join us for the latest session of Stanley Sage, a program designed for older adults. This session will feature Pete Hartley, owner of The Frame Station (since 2023) in Iowa City, as he talks about his unique journey and passion for framing art. Pete will share how his love for the craft has quite literally "framed" his life, from early woodworking projects to becoming a cornerstone of the local art community.This program will be hosted by Amanda Lensing. Light refreshments will be provided by...
Chicago Hawkeye Social & Catlett Exhibit Viewing promotional image

Chicago Hawkeye Social & Catlett Exhibit Viewing

Thursday, September 4, 2025 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Exchequer Restaurant and Pub
Chicago Hawkeye Social & Catlett Exhibit ViewingThursday, September 4, 20254:30–5:30 p.m.Exchequer Restaurant and Pub226 S. Wabash Ave.ChicagoRegister HereConnect with other Hawkeyes, enjoy light appetizers and drinks, and learn more about pioneering artist and activist Elizabeth Catlett from Lauren Lessing, the director of the Stanley Museum of Art. You’ll also receive a free ticket to the Art Institute of Chicago to view Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist, a traveling...
Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, September 5, 2025 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...
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