Hours
Admission to the museum building will end 5 minutes before gallery closing.
| Gallery Hours | Office Hours | |
| Monday | Closed | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10 a.m.–8:00 p.m. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Closed |
| Sunday | 12:00–4:30 p.m. | Closed |
Holidays and Closures
The museum will be closed on Sunday, January 14, 2024 due to inclement weather.
The museum will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Directions and Parking
Where to park
Paid, accessible parking is available in the Stanley Art Ramp (63) below the museum. The entrance is at the rear of the building off Museum Drive (formerly Front Street). Visitors can access the museum directly via the elevator lobby in the center.
Visitors may access the UI Main Library and the museum entrance ramp via exit stairs and elevator in the northeast corner. There is an additional stairway in the southwest corner.
Please pay upon arrival. Parking is limited to two hours during enforcement hours. Parking time cannot be extended beyond the maximum two-hour time.
Payment options include the university's parking app and pay stations (credit card only). Users can download the app for iPhone or Android devices or can access the service on the website https://parkmobile.io/. The app also can be used to pay for parking in more than 500 cities and more than 150 universities and colleges nationwide – including several in Iowa.
Please note: Height Restrictions – 93 inches (7’ 9”)
- Library Lot (3), 202 West Burlington Street
- Recreation Center Lot (11), 500 South Madison Street
- Iowa City Capitol Street Ramp, 220 South Capitol Street
- Iowa City Court Street Ramp, 150 East Court Street
- Iowa Memorial Union Ramp, 120 North Madison Street
All public parking facilities on the University of Iowa campus have designated accessible parking spaces. All Iowa City parking facilities also have accessible parking spaces. Use of these spaces requires a state issued disability parking permit or a disability license plate.
Accessible parking near the museum:
- Stanley Art Ramp (63), 160 W. Burlington St.
- Library Lot (3), 202 West Burlington Street
- Recreation Center Lot (11), 500 South Madison Street
- Iowa City Capitol Street Ramp, 220 South Capitol Street
- Iowa City Court Street Ramp, 150 East Court Street
How do I get there?
Located on the corner of W. Burlington and Madison Streets, adjacent to Gibson Square Park and the UI Main Library, the Stanley Museum of Art is a pleasant eight minute, 0.5 mile walk from the UI Pentacrest and downtown Iowa City.
Getting to the museum on your bicycle is easy! There are large bike racks on either side of the Main Library's south staircase, facing Gibson Square Park. An additional bike rack is located at the southwest corner of the building, next to the stairs for the lower level parking.
University of Iowa CAMBUS
Red, Blue, and Interdorm routes all stop at the UI Main Library, immediately adjacent to the museum.
Iowa City Transit
Provides transportation services throughout Iowa City, including the University of Iowa campus.
Coralville Transit
Provides transportation services in Coralville and to/from downtown Iowa City.
Johnson County SEATS
ADA paratransit service for Johnson County.
380 Express
Weekday bus service between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
From I-80
Eastbound visitors can use exits 242 (1st Avenue, Coralville) and 244 (Dubuque Street, Iowa City).
Westbound visitors can use exits 246 (Dodge Street, Iowa City) and 244 (Dubuque Street, Iowa City).
From Hwy 218
Northbound visitors can take exit 91 to IA-1 N/Hwy 1 W.
Follow IA-1 N/Hwy 1 W and S. Riverside Drive to Burlington Street.
From I-380
Southbound visitors can take Take exit 93 from US-218 S (County Rd F46/Melrose Ave toward University Heights).
Follow Melrose Avenue/Burlington St. east.
- Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)—About a 20-minute drive from campus
- Quad City International Airport (MLI)—About a 60-minute drive from campus
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)—About a 2.5-hour drive from campus
- Amtrack (Mt. Pleasant, IA)
- Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, Megabus (Court Street Transportation Center, 170 E. Court St, Iowa City, IA)
Know Before You Go
Please do:
- Experience the Stanley in your own way—stop by for ten minutes between classes, bring your family and friends for the afternoon, or spend an hour in your favorite gallery.
- Remember to check all backpacks, large bags, coats/jackets, and other bulky items in the coat room before entering the galleries. All bags over the size of 10 inches x 10 inches x 5.5 inches must be left in a locker. Please wear your coat/jacket if you do not store it in the coat room.
- Please wear child carriers and small bags on the front of the body.
- Sketch and draw in the galleries with pencil only.
Thank you for helping us protect the collection by:
- Staying at least an arm's length away from all objects.
- Not touching the works of art - natural oils in our hands and fingers can cause damage.
- Not bringing food or drink into the second floor galleries. Finish these items in our first floor lobby or save them for later in the coat room.
Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to the belief that the experience of art is meant to be shared by all. We frequently evaluate how effectively we are serving the needs of visitors and continue to work with campus partners to offer a variety of onsite accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Please visit our Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion page for detailed information and instructions on accessing or requesting specific accommodations.
| Available at any time | available by request |
|---|---|
| Two accessible entrances | ASL interpretation for programming, events or class visits |
| Wheelchairs available to borrow | Touch Tours |
| Ample seating throughout the galleries | |
| Assistive listening devices available to borrow | |
| Sensory Inclusive™ bags from Kulture City® available to borrow | |
| Accessible and all-gender restrooms | |
| Private, accessible and lockable Family Quiet Room | |
| Service animals are always welcome in the museum |
The Stanley Museum of Art is a popular place for photographers. We want you to “See Yourself at the Stanley,” both in person and through a lens. Personal photography is encouraged at the museum when conducted without disruption to museum operations or visitors, and with the safety of the art in mind.
Personal Visitor Photography (non-commercial use)
Please do:
- Take casual photos for personal use only.
- If you aren't sure if taking a photo is permitted, please ask our front desk or security teams.
- Use handheld cameras, cell phones, and tablets with the flash turned off.
- Post images from your visit on personal, noncommercial social media. We love it when our visitors share the museum with their networks!
- Remember to tag the museum @uistanleymuseum #UIowaStanley
Thank you for helping us protect the collection by:
- Remaining behind stanchions and maintaining a safe, arm's-length distance from all artworks, cases, platforms, and pedestals.
- Respecting other visitors enjoying the galleries.
- Avoiding the use of flash photography and video cameras. Bulky items, tripods, selfie-sticks, or other equipment must be left with the front desk.
- Understanding that photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner.
Professional or Commercial Photography (defined as any use outside of personal)
- All photography of a non-personal nature (i.e. editorial, commercial, advertisement – including, but not limited to portrait, graduation, wedding, and fashion photography) requires the written the permission of the Stanley Museum of Art.
- Inquiries for commercial and professional photography of the Stanley Museum of Art should be made by filling out the Photography and Filming Application at least two weeks in advance. Approval for commercial and professional photography will be made on a case-by-case basis. All interior photo shoots for personal events (including but not limited to senior portraits, graduation, prom, engagement, and wedding) are subject to fees. We will estimate fee at the time of booking.
- Indoor gallery shoots are subject to fees, require a staff escort, and may be scheduled only on Mondays or when the museum is closed to the public.
- Outdoor portrait shoots on museum grounds do not require an escort, however portrait photography must not disrupt museum operations or visitor experience. Some outdoor artworks may be under copyright. It is the responsibility of the user to clear any permissions that may be necessary for uses beyond news reporting and commentary. Copyright information will be provided upon request.
Come and Visit
Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature and the Greatest Small City for the Arts
How do I...?
Gendered restrooms are located off the north end of the lobby, adjacent to the elevators on the second floor, and behind the elevators on the third floor. A single-user restroom is available on the first floor only. A Family Quiet Room is located opposite the restrooms on the third floor.
Infant changing tables are available in the first floor single-user restroom and the third floor Family Quiet Room, as well as within the accessible stalls of all gendered restrooms.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art has an exceptional core collection thanks to donors who have made generous gifts of art throughout the years—and this tradition of giving continues today. Each year, the museum increases its collection through acquisitions from loyal donors such as you.
Adding Art to the Collection
Before the museum can accept a gift of art a member of our curatorial team must submit the artwork to the Collections Committee for approval. This committee meets three times a year to review proposed objects and to select the works that the museum will add to its collection.
Should you consider offering a gift of artwork, please be aware that the cross-departmental labor entailed in the review and intake of the objects aligned with our teaching mission means we must be selective with respect to new acquisitions.
Types of Gifts
Outright Gifts
The UI Stanley Museum of Art accepts outright gifts of art. Such donations may entitle you to tax benefits, and the museum recommends that you consult with your tax adviser before making a gift of art.
Planned Gifts
You can leave gifts of art to the museum in a bequest, and such bequests must meet the same acquisition criteria as outright gifts of art.
The Process for Making a Gift of Art
1. In order for a potential gift of art to be considered, you will need to provide a description of the object(s), related documentation, and an image of the object(s) (high resolution is best). Specific and helpful information includes:
- Title
- Date
- Artist
- Medium/Materials
- Artist’s Signature (location of signature)
- Dimensions
- Condition
- The insurance value of each object
- Provenance documentation
2. The museum will review the submitted documentation for the object(s) monthly.
3. If the museum is interested in the object(s), the work must be reviewed in person to review the work and determine how exhibitable it is.
- A staff member may request to visit you to see the work first. Following this you will be contacted by our registrar to organize the shipment of the work to the Stanley.
4. Upon arrival, the object(s) will be on temporary loan until the next Collections Committee meeting.
5. The Collections Committee will vote to formally acquire the object(s).
6. If the object(s) is accepted into the collection, the registrar will send you a Deed of Gift, and you will receive a letter of acknowledgment for the gift. This process can take several months.
The Process for Loaning Art
The UI Stanley Museum of Art could not fulfill its teaching mission without the generosity of collectors willing to loan works of art. Our staff strategically borrows works of art in exhibitable condition to expand and enhance what the museum can offer.
When you loan a work(s) of art to the UI Stanley Museum, you allow the public to view and enjoy your piece while it is on display. In general, you will need to fill out a loan agreement and provide the museum with information about the piece, such as its title, artist, date of creation, and value. The museum will then create an insurance policy to cover the piece while it is on display. Once the paperwork is complete, the museum will collect and transport the art to the museum and install it according to their specifications. At the end of the loan period, the museum will arrange to transport and return the art to you.
For more information about making a gift of art to the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art please email UI-stanleyartgift@uiowa.edu.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art welcomes the University of Iowa community, all Iowans, and the world to discover and enjoy extraordinary works of art, explore new ideas, and cultivate new insights into history, culture, and the act of creation. We create diverse communities around our collections by fostering creative connections across the university, the state, and the world. Through the wise stewardship and dynamic presentation of the collections in our care, the Stanley Museum encourages transformative encounters with works of art and contemplation of the human story.
Jackson Pollock’s Mural is in Gallery 1 on the second floor.
Teach with the Collection
Faculty, staff, and students from visiting colleges or universities may request an exhibition tour in our galleries or a specialized viewing experience of work in our visual laboratory and classroom through our online visit request form.
View Works from the Collection
The Stanley Museum of Art welcomes visiting scholars to research our collection. As you prepare for your visit, we recommend completing the request form as soon as possible.
Requests must be placed at least one month in advance to allow the registrarial team time to assess all requested objects, determine if they can safely be removed from storage for study, and prepare them for viewing. Visits are limited to normal museum hours and are dependent upon teaching, programming, and staff availability.
You can research our collection online through the Iowa Digital Library.
Questions?
Please contact Sarah Luko, assistant registrar rights and reproductions, with questions.
The Stanley Museum of Art’s collection belongs to the State of Iowa, and we want you to have access to all of it. While only a small percentage of the full collection can be on view at any time, you can make a request to see a specific artwork during our public viewing hours. Space is limited.
You can research our collection online through the Iowa Digital Library.
Contact Sarah Luko, manager of exhibitions and collections, with any questions.
To request images, please first search our online collection for object details and note the artist/maker/culture, title/object name, and accession number of the artwork(s). Then contact Sayuri Sasaki Hemann with this information and your intended use of the image.
Sayuri Sasaki Hemann
Assistant Registrar
sayuri-hemann@uiowa.edu
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art has offered free admission since opening our doors in 1969. Now we’re reaffirming our commitment to community accessibility by also making it free to join our membership program. We want everyone to see themselves at the Stanley Museum of Art!
We recognize the barriers that have long existed in traditional museum membership models, and we believe dues shouldn’t stand in the way of transformational art experiences. By making membership free for all, we’re reflecting our mission of remaining an inclusive and welcoming resource for discovery, inquiry, collaboration, and creativity.
When you become a Stanley Museum of Art member, you join a community with a shared passion for art and engagement. As a member, you’ll enjoy:
- Monthly e-newsletters and other museum communications
- Advance notice of museum programs, exhibitions, and events
- Lifetime membership
Child carriers must be worn by an adult to the front of their body. Single-occupant strollers are welcome. Oversize and jogging strollers may not be brought into the galleries.
Bottle and breastfeeding are welcome throughout the museum. A Family Quiet Room on the third floor is also available for your use.
Infant changing tables are available in the first floor single-user restroom and the Family Quiet Room, as well as within the accessible stalls of gendered restrooms on the third floor.
A Family Quiet Room is available on the museum’s third floor.
The Stanley Museum of Art welcomes all, including those assisted by service animals, to visit our galleries, connect with our collections, and participate in our programs. The Stanley complies with Iowa law and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and allows service animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability into all public areas of the museum.
The museum does not allow Emotional Support Animals (ESA) on site. Emotional Support Animals, Comfort Animals, or Therapy Animals are not considered service animals under the ADA.
The following questions will be asked of each visitor with a service animal:
• Is the service animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
If an animal presents a threat to other visitors or to works of art, or becomes a nuisance, the handler will be asked to remove the animal from the premises.
Bench seating is available throughout the galleries and lightweight folding stools are available near the elevators on the second floor.
The lobby has multiple seating options for individuals and groups.
Tours and Groups
We design tours to engage and spark your curiosity! Visitors of all ages are welcome to join us on a guided tour, led by a museum educator or docent. We hope you'll leave your tour with a sense of excitement and wonder, curious to learn more about the art in our collection.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a tour or program, please contact the Stanley in advance at 319-335-1727.