Current
American Art Pottery Collection
Highlighted in the collection are Iowa State Pottery and pottery from other Iowa companies.
Muscatine Art Center
Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center encounter paintings made by artists recognized around the world, fascinating objects connected to Muscatine’s past, beautifully crafted decorative arts, charming period rooms, and a Japanese Garden installed nearly a century ago. Learners of all ages can pique their curiosity through changing exhibitions, classes, and events.
Hours
Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm
Thurs: 10am - 7pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 5pm
Mon: Closed
1314 Mulberry Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761
Exhibitions
Collections
Events & Classes
The Mansion circa 1910
Since 1965 ...
The Laura Musser Museum, later renamed the Muscatine Art Center, has been an important gathering place for the Muscatine community. Laura Musser McColm’s niece, Mary Musser Gilmore, and Laura’s stepdaughter, Mary Catherine Atkins McWhirter, jointly offered the home to the City of Muscatine and established a trust to aid in the maintenance of the house.
Over generations, Muscatine children have participated in school and youth group programs and studio classes, families have attended cultural events, adults have further developed their artistic skills and deepened their knowledge of local history and art related topics. Since 1976, the Stanley Gallery has displayed countless changing art and history exhibitions. Today, first time visitors and long time friends alike are captivated by the historic home, the collection, and the stories presented in exhibitions.
Collections
Current
Historic Toy Collection
Included in the Toy Collection are games, books, dolls and doll accessories and furniture, stuffed animals, wooden blocks and cars, and metal toys and ride-ons.
Current
Muscatine History Collection
A wide variety of artifacts, ephemera, photographs, and archives makes up the Muscatine History Collection.
Current
Costume Collection
The central pieces in the Costume Collection were owned by the Musser-McColm family.
Current
Mississippi River Collection
The Mississippi River Collection historically and aesthetically documents the cities, towns and communities along the mighty Mississippi from the headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico.
Current
Musser-McColm Family Collection
Furniture, photographs, dresses, paintings, glass, silver, diaries, music boxes, rugs and other decorative arts are among the items left by the Musser-McColm family.
Current
Mary Musser-Gilmore Collection
Mrs. Gilmore was an avid art collector, acquiring works by Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Marc Chagall, Camille Pissarro, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Current
Iowa Regionalist Collection
The Iowa Regionalist collection features works by Grant Wood and his Iowa contemporaries.
Current
Early American Pattern Glass & Art Glass Collection
The glass collection consists of over 3,000 pieces of glass featuring a wide variety of patterns, colors, and forms, including American Art Glass and Early American Pattern Glass.
Events & Classes
Mar
30
Rescheduled: Alexander Clark's Legacy: Elevating His Story - March 30
Several projects are currently underway to introduce the Alexander Clark story to new audiences, demonstrate his national significance, and broaden understanding of Clark's leadership in his own time. Join author Rachelle Chase and local historian Dan Clark for a discussion on Alexander Clark. *This program was originally scheduled for February 16.*
May
13
Fairy Garden Workshop for Kids - May 13 - Ages 6+
Let's get together and create whimsical and magical fairy gardens! Each participant will make a fairy house and garden. Please bring your own container. All other supplies will be included.
Apr
22
Teen Workshop: Up-Cycle It - April 22 - Ages 13+
To celebrate Earth Day, we will make a few projects from upcycled materials, including keychains, bracelets, and more. All supplies included.
Mar
1
MARCH EVENTS
Check flyer below for at-a-glance information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of March. Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes, programming, and to sign up.
Jun
3
Origami with Miss Heather - June 3 - Ages 8+
Pleasant Valley School District art educator Heather Seibel will lead this FREE kids class in learning about origami paper folding.
Jun
10
Teen Workshop: Tie-Dye It - June 10 - Ages 13+
Spend your afternoon learning different types of tie-dye techniques. Bring a pre-washed plain black shirt and a pre-washed plain white shirt to dye. All other supplies included.
Apr
8
Kids Open Studio - April 8
Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8 for a free Kids Open Studio. Admission is free of charge.
Apr
16
Red Barn Studio - Iceland Poppy - April 16
Local artist Vada Baker returns to the Muscatine Art Center this spring with fresh new projects. Vada gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete your project. Learn new techniques and have all your questions answered in this fun studio class you won't want to miss! Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
May
21
Red Barn Studio - Paint the Sunshine - May 21
Local artist Vada Baker returns to the Muscatine Art Center this spring with fresh new projects. Vada gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete your project. Learn new techniques and have all your questions answered in this fun studio class you won't want to miss! Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
Jun
11
Red Barn Studio - Sunflower Earrings or Pendant - June 11
Local artist Vada Baker returns to the Muscatine Art Center this spring with fresh new projects. Vada gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete your project. Learn new techniques and have all your questions answered in this fun studio class you won't want to miss! Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
May
20
Kids Open Studio - May 20
Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday, MAy 20 for a free Kids Open Studio. Admission is free of charge. *NOTE* During this open studio, we will be making tissue paper flowers for one of the projects for Almost Fiesta this June.
Jun
6
Fairtytale Day at West Hill Cakery - June 6
Hear ye, hear ye! Join Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator Katy at West Hill Cakery on June 6 for a fairytale fantasy day! Enjoy fairytale-themed crafts and activities from the Muscatine Art Center and plenty of fresh-baked sweets from West Hill Cakery. There is no registration for this free event.
Apr
29
Artist Workshops for Kids - Bridget Riley Op Art - April 29
Celebrate English modern artist Bridget Riley by creating an Op Art piece of your own. This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by April 28 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
May
13
Artist Workshops for Kids - Marisol Escobar Sculpture - May 13
Celebrate Venezuelan-American artist Marisol Escobar by building a wooden chair sculpture. This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by May 12 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
Jun
17
Artist Workshops for Kids - Saul Steinberg Doodles - June 17
Celebrate Romanian-American artist Saul Steinberg by drawing whimsical doodles and turning a paper bag into a mask. This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by June 16 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
Mar
7
Projects to Go - "Take & Makes"
Stop by the Muscatine Art Center during open hours and grab a themed "Take & Make” kit. Each bag contains a few projects that you can complete at home with just a few additional supplies. These crafts make excellent gifts, and the bags are free to pick up! Available select dates (see below). While supplies last. Limit three per household.
Mar
25
Mini Masters Wednesday Mornings @ 9:30 a.m.
Mini Masters is a free class that meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Reservations required. Call 563-263-8282 to register. These classes are free. See below for updated calendar.
Mar
25
Mini Masters Thursday Afternoons @ 3:30 p.m.
Mini Masters is a free class that meets Thursday afternoons at 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Reservations required. Call 563-263-8282 to register. These classes are free. See below for updated calendar.
May
6
Live Reptiles with Muscatine County Conservation - May 6
In partnership with Muscatine County Conservation, join us in the Muscatine Art Center studio to learn about different reptiles with naturalist Michelle Berns! Kids will get to see live reptiles and hear about their habitats and habits. Then, make a craft inspired by snakes to take home! There is no registration for this free event.
Jun
17
Live Raptors with Muscatine County Conservation - June 17
In partnership with Muscatine County Conservation, join us in the Muscatine Art Center studio to learn about different raptors with naturalist Michelle Berns! Kids will get to see live birds and hear about their habitats and habits. Then, make a craft inspired by owls to take home! There is no registration for this free event.
