STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Muscatine Art Center is a permanent, municipal, non-profit
institution. The Art Center collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits objects
of historical and aesthetic importance for the benefit of present and future
generations. In addition, through the use of the permanent collection and
special exhibitions, education programs are provided for all ages to encourage
and promote the advancement, understanding, enjoyment and diffusion of knowledge
of the visual arts.
ABOUT US
Showcasing the 1908 Musser Mansion and the contemporary Stanley
Gallery, the Muscatine Art Center offers eastern Iowa both decorative arts
associated with the original home, and exciting changing exhibitions. We invite
you to spend an afternoon with us. Admission is free.
Established as a museum in 1965 by a gift of Laura Musser’s
heirs, Mary Catherine McWhirter and Mary Musser Gilmore, the mansion features
many distinctive architectural details of the Edwardian period.
The grounds of the Muscatine Art Center cover over four acres
and include a "Japanese Garden" with pagodas, small pools, waterfalls
and native Iowa wildflowers. In addition, an enclosed courtyard has been
developed for outdoor sculpture.
In 1976, C. Maxwell and Elizabeth Stanley donated the Stanley
Gallery which provides contemporary space for changing exhibitions and studio
art classes.
TOURS
Group tours for both children and adults are always welcome and
are offered free of charge. To schedule a tour please call the office at (563)
263-8282 at least two weeks in advance.
PARKING
Off-street parking is available in the Cedar Street parking lot
(behind the Stanley Gallery). There are designated spaces for handicapped
parking and ample parking for buses.
MEMBERSHIP
Individual and corporate memberships are available through the
Friends of the Muscatine Art Center. The Friends provide volunteers for programs
and receptions and funding for acquisitions and educational programs. For more
detailed information see our "Friends" page.
HOURS
The Art Center is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from
10 am to 5 pm; Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays from
1 to 5 pm. Closed Mondays and holidays.
LOCATION
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue,
Muscatine, Iowa. It may be reached from Interstate 80 via Highway 38 South exit
or from Highway 61 (bypass or business routes) to Mulberry Avenue.
MUSCATINE ART CENTER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
An annual appropriation by the City of Muscatine provides the
main support for the Muscatine Art Center. The Friends of the Muscatine Art
Center further supports the Art Center through sponsoring an annual membership
drive and fundraising events which generate moneys for acquisitions, busing for
students to view exhibition and collections, and fund the art education
coordinator’s position. Individuals may also assist in supporting the
Muscatine Art Center through direct contributions to the Muscatine Art Center
Support Foundation. The Muscatine Art Center Support Foundation provides an
annual budget for the purpose of sponsoring exhibitions, purchasing acquisitions
for the permanent collection and conservation of the permanent collection as
needed.
ACCESSIBILITY
The City of Muscatine, Iowa does not discriminate on the basis
of disability in admission or access to its programs and activities. Persons
requesting accommodations because of disability or having questions or problems
relating to programs and services may make contact with the Art Center office at
563-263-8282.
YOU
CAN HELP SUPPORT THE MUSCATINE ART CENTER BY SHOPPING!
When you shop online,
start with shopformuseums.com. Gift giving never felt better!
Shopformuseums.com is the new museum fundraising secure site that allows you to
shop with your favorite retailers and support the Muscatine Art Center all at
the same time! Begin your shopping by going to www.shopformuseums.com.
Once there, select the Muscatine Art Center to receive a donation. You
will then choose your favorite retailer and click on that site. Continue
shopping -- that's it. The retailer will make a donation on your
behalf.
Whether you are in the market
for upscale toys, gifts, apparel or computers, the place to start is with
us. Every one of the upscale merchants on shopformuseums.com has agreed to
donate a portion of each sale that originates with shopformuseums.com to the
Muscatine Art Center as the museum of your choice.
Bookmark
this site and click on shopformuseums.com whenever you shop online. We
greatly appreciate your support!
