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
Jul
23
"DRAGONS" - Mini Art Camp with Mary Alice Sessler & Nancy Foxen - July 23-26, Ages 8+
Art teachers Mary Alice Sessler and Nancy Foxen are at it again! This dynamic duo is back this summer with fun projects every day! You do not need to attend every day of camp, but the projects are meant to build skills and technique for the culminating activity. Call the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282 to sign up by July 22.
Apr
24
MAY EVENTS
Check flyer below for at-a-glance information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of May! Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes, programming, and to sign up.
May
25
Closed for Memorial Day - May 25
Muscatine Art Center will be closed Sunday, May 25 in observation of the Memorial Day holiday. We honor and appreciate all who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Jun
21
Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - "Allan Houser Celebrating Indigenous People's Day" - June 21
This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by June 20 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
May
18
Red Barn Studio - Dragonflies and Cattails - May 18
Learn to paint beautiful watercolors using various techniques and learned skills. Follow along as artist Vada Baker guides participants through each step of the painting process, adding your own flair as you go. All supplies included. No experience necessary. Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282. *FEES MUST BE PAID AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION*
Jun
22
Red Barn Studio - Oriole - June 22
Learn to paint beautiful watercolors using various techniques and learned skills. Follow along as artist Vada Baker guides participants through each step of the painting process, adding your own flair as you go. All supplies included. No experience necessary. Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282. *FEES MUST BE PAID AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION*
May
29
Foil Relief with Miss Heather - May 29 - Ages 9+
Pleasant Valley School District art educator Heather Seibel will lead this kids class where kids will create foil relief drawings. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up. FREE.
Jun
7
Adult Studio: "Choose Your Theme" Acrylic Painting with Kay Flanders - June 7
Spend a Saturday afternoon with artist Kay Flanders while exploring your creative side. Participants will be tasked with choosing a theme for their individual painting that fits their taste, such as a landscape or still life, and Flanders will give examples and share techniques to start. No prior painting experience necessary. Fee is $25. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up. REGISTER BY JUNE 6.
Jun
19
Adult Studio: Landscapes with Jim Elias - June 19
Artist Jim Elias will guide painters in mark-making prompts, explorative ideas, and tips on painting outdoor environments. Supplies will be provided for participants to create their own landscape painting. This “impromptu” workshop will involve as-needed instructions, to allow participants to explore the themes presented on their own. No prior painting experience necessary. Fee is $15, or $13.50 for Friends Members. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up. REGISTER BY JUNE 18..
Jun
14
Fathers in the Animal Kingdom with Muscatine County Conservation - June 14
Join Muscatine County Conservation and the Muscatine Art Center for Father's Day this year! Visit the Muscatine Art Center studio to learn about fatherhood in the animal kingdom. Kids will get to see live animals and hear about their habitats and habits. Then, make a nature-inspired gift to take home to dad for Father's Day! There is no registration for this free event.
May
29
Japan America Society of Iowa Community Origami Workshop - May 29
The Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) is engaging communities and schools across Iowa in a project to create 1,000 origami cranes as a symbol of friendship and peace. This project aims to unite people and celebrate the long-standing partnership between Kofu (Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan) and Des Moines, Iowa. Participants across the state are making cranes, with each community's strand labeled, and the cranes will be displayed alongside a donation of cranes from Japan at the Iowa State Fair. This community collaboration is free to the public, and all supplies will be provided.
Jun
12
Iowa Scenic Views by Foot by Tyler Sullivan - June 12 - Musser Public Library
Join us to celebrate the beauty of Iowa with Tyler Sullivan, a poet, author, and runner. Sullivan will share his many adventures running across the state of Iowa, visiting 96 of the 99 counties. During his trek, he has visited 1,272 cities and 150 museums and attractions. Sullivan is on a mission to share the many hidden gems found in our state. This program is free to the public and will be hosted by the Musser Public Library.
May
17
For the Love of the Garden Special Event - May 17
Soak up the beauty of the rehabilitated historic garden while watching artist Kimble Bromley paint a view of the Japanese Garden as part of a special commission for the 60th anniversary. The Mad Creek Mudcats will perform and a variety of flower and garden crafts and demonstrations will be offered! Free admission. Donations are appreciated!
May
8
Adult Studio: Gardens for Moms with Jim Elias - May 8
Jim Elias will offer a freestyle workshop exploring the garden theme, giving prompts and as-needed instructions to allow participants to explore the topic with as much or as little support and guidance as needed. No prior painting experience necessary. Fee is $15, or $13.50 for Friends Members, and includes all supplies and materials. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up. REGISTER BY MAY 7.
May
10
Mothers in the Animal Kingdom with Muscatine County Conservation - May 10
Join Muscatine County Conservation and the Muscatine Art Center for Mother's Day this year! Visit the Muscatine Art Center studio to learn about motherhood in the animal kingdom. Kids will get to see live animals and hear about their habitats and habits. Then, make a nature-inspired gift to take home to mom for Mother's Day! There is no registration for this free event.
May
15
Adult Workshop: Coil Yarn Bowls with Heather Seibel - May 15
In this class, we will explore the fiber arts using a coiling core and yarn to create beautiful, functional coil bowls. These bowls can be adapted to have handles, be wide, narrow, or even flat. The options are endless! Class fee is $20/$17.50 for Friends Members. Please register by May 14.
Apr
27
Red Barn Studio - Coal Tit - April 27
Learn to paint beautiful watercolors using various techniques and learned skills. Follow along as artist Vada Baker guides participants through each step of the painting process, adding your own flair as you go. All supplies included. No experience necessary. Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282. *FEES MUST BE PAID AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION*
May
3
Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - Salvador Dali - May 3
This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by May 2 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.
Jul
14
"The School for Spies" Theatre Camp with Footliters Traveling Playhouse- July 14-18, 2025
Footliters Traveling Playhouse is back this summer with another FREE musical camp for kids! This year the musical is "The School for Spies!" Camp is intended for kids ages 7-18 of any theatre experience. The weeklong camp and final performance will be held at the Muscatine High School. Contact Rachael at the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282 or rmullins@muscatineiowa.gov to register today!
Jun
29
Friends of the Muscatine Art Center Annual Ice Cream Social - June 29
Enjoy live music, games, crafts, ice cream...and SO much more! See below for details of the afternoon.
Apr
24
Adult Studio: Origami Earrings with Heather Seibel - April 24
Join artist and art educator Heather Seibel to learn ancient origami technique in a contemporary context, as jewelry. Origami evolved as a Japanese craft form in the 6th century shortly after the invention of paper. Over time many traditional forms, like the crane and stars, developed. Participants will use Japanese paper and patterns to create one of a kind origami earrings.
May
1
Opening Reception for the Homeschool Assistance Program Exhibit - May 1
The public is invited to the Opening Reception for the artists of the Homeschool Assistance Program. Free admission. See details below.
Apr
24
APRIL EVENTS
Check flyer below for at-a-glance information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of April! Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes, programming, and to sign up.
Apr
24
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.
Apr
24
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.
