We are thrilled to have your class visit the Stanley Museum of Art. This guide will prepare you and your class for the visit, ensuring you make the most of your time exploring the collection and engaging in enriching activities.

Things to Know When You Arrive

Scan your IowaOne Card at the front desk
All galleries are located on the second floor. The Visual Lab and Visual Classroom are on the third floor
Check large bags and coats in the cloakroom. Gallery Hosts can provide a free locker key

Terraces on the third floor are open to all visitors. If you would like to study there, ask a Gallery Host for a clear tote bag

Food and drinks must stay in the lobby
Please maintain at least an arm's length distance from all artworks.
Only pencils are allowed beyond the first floor. Ask a Gallery Host for a pencil and clipboard

Like what you see? You can take pictures! Please remember to turn your flash off to protect the art

What Will You Do During Your Visit?

Beyond simply looking at art, your visit will include engaging activities designed to help you develop essential skills such as observation and critical thinking.

Close Looking

This activity encourages spending time observing a single artwork in detail.

• Observe: Spend several minutes just looking at the artwork without reading any labels or descriptions.

• Notice: Pay attention to details like colors, shapes, textures, and patterns, and consider how they interact.

• Describe: Discuss what you see with your peers.

• Interpret: Think about the artist's choices and what they might be trying to communicate. Ask questions like,“What is shown?” and “What areas does the artist emphasize, and why might that be?”

Two boys standing in a gallery, one wearing a dark blue t-shirt with short dark hair holds a clipboard and pencil, and the other wearing a black hoodie with medium length dark hair holds a pencil. They are looking to the right, gesturing towards something, engaged in conversation.

Contextual Analysis

Object Viewing involves learning about the history and context of specific artworks.

• Question: Look closely at museum objects and analyze their features. Consider questions like, "What does this object
tell us about the people who made and used it?"

• Compare: Compare historical museum objects with contemporary equivalents to understand changes over time.

• Discuss Context: Explore the cultural, historical, and social context of the objects.

A room with glass-front cases filled with artworks and lit from within

Teaching Spaces

The Visual Laboratory and Visual Classroom offers classes a space for in depth learning

The Visual Classroom is a dedicated space where we bring out objects not currently on display in the galleries.

The Visual Laboratory contains artwork specially selected by instructors for their courses throughout the semester. It also includes a table for students to work or meet, and a puzzle for visitors to enjoy.

Both spaces can be accessed on the third floor.

Three people stand over a desk with art objects placed on it

Additional Resources

Visit the faculty webpage to schedule an object viewing, request artworks to display in the Visual Lab, and access instructor resources for faculty and students including digital files, worksheets, videos, and more.

Old capitol building with flowers

UI Faculty and Classes

The Stanley welcomes faculty and classes from all disciplines to the museum to support learning objectives, including sharpening observation skills, studying artistic techniques, exploring culture, and building empathy.
Seven graduating senior student employees sit on the stairs at the Stanley Museum of Art.

Student Blog

A space for University of Iowa students to share their research, creative projects, and writing about art, art history, and the Stanley Museum of Art. The blog serves as a platform for student voices and a way to preserve their work, ensuring it remains accessible for years to come.

Calendar

Keep up with all the latest events and exhibitions at the Stanley Museum of Art. The calendar is your guide to upcoming exhibitions, engaging workshops, unique student programs, hands-on art-making activities, and more. View our upcoming events and plan your next visit.

The Stanley’s collection is curated to serve the needs of faculty and students at the University of Iowa. You can explore the museum’s collection or contact stanley-colleges@uiowa.edu to discuss ways that the museum can support your research or teaching.

contact STANLEY-COLLEGES.EDU