Since opening its doors on August 26, 2022, the Stanley Museum of Art has made a profound impact on the community through a fresh rotation of exhibitions, programs, and its contributions to the fields of research and education.  In just two years, the Stanley has solidified its position as a cultural cornerstone, attracting over 100,000 visitors from around the world.

Exhibitions 

The Stanley continues to offer a diverse and thought-provoking rotation of exhibitions that serve the university’s teaching mission, represent Iowa’s history, and challenge museum conventions.

The most notable one being the Keith Haring exhibition which is currently on view up till January 2025. “To My Friends at Horn: Keith Haring and Iowa City” has been a significant show in terms of the impact it has had on the community and the international acclaim it has gathered. 

Featuring a rarely seen mural by Haring that has been a part of an elementary school in Iowa City for almost 40 years, along with a selection of other works by him, this exhibition highlights the artists connection to the Iowa community. The mammoth task of removing, transporting, and preserving the mural was taken on by the Stanley in its first year and was finally brought to fruition on May 4, 
2024, when the exhibition opened to the public. 

In November 2023, the exhibition "Drawn Over: Reclaiming Our Histories" featured the museum's collection of Native American Ledger drawings and their significance in preserving indigenous narratives. This was followed by "A Year in Print," a showcase of contemporary American printmaking that explores the various influences shaping the art form in the 20th century.

The latest exhibition, "Alternate Paths: New Object Histories from Africa to America," challenges traditional narratives surrounding African art in Western museums, focusing on the complex histories of these objects, questioning their provenance and the role of museums in their display. 

Notable News

This summer also saw the unveiling of a new mural in the lobby, titled “One An Other,” by artist Jiha Moon. This latest work replaces the earlier mural that was a familiar sight for visitors: “Surrounding,” by Odili Donald Odita. “One An Other” is the third installment in the museum’s Thresholds series, which highlights the work of Iowa-affiliated artists. It will remain on view until summer 2026. Jiha Moon was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2023 and is currently Assistant Professor of Art at Florida State University in Tallahassee. 

In the field of provenance research, the Stanley led a historic restitution effort by returning two artworks from its collection from the Benin Kingdom, commonly referred to as Benin Bronzes, to His Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, in July 2024. This marks the first time a museum in North America has directly returned stolen artwork to the rightful owner. The Stanley hopes to present as a model for other museums who are involved in restitution efforts. 

In September 2023, the museum launched its very first catalog, “In a Time of Witness,” that pairs stunning imagery from the Stanley collection with original literary responses to showcase an innovative vision for art interpretation. “In a Time of Witness” extends beyond a traditional catalog, offering a refreshing opportunity for readers to engage with works from the Stanley collection in new ways, making art interpretation accessible and meaningful for a wider audience.

Furthermore, the Stanley has deepened its commitment to education and accessibility. The museum has welcomed thousands of K-12 students and educators, partnered with local schools, and implemented various initiatives to make art accessible to all. 

As the Stanley Museum of Art looks ahead to its third year, it remains committed to offering innovative and engaging programs for visitors of all ages and continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Iowa City and beyond. As it continues to evolve and grow, the museum remains a vital hub for creativity, inspiration, and cultural exchange.