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 – 4pm
Thurs: 10am - 7pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 4pm
Mon: Closed
1314 Mulberry Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761
Get Directions
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
Dec
7
A Concert of Hope and Healing 2
Living Proof Exhibit and the Muscatine Art Center have teamed up to offer a two-part concert series by Muscatine-native, Juan Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza is a Juilliard trained tenor who has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Music Festival, New York Society for Ethical Culture, and Aspen Opera Theater Center. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and is currently part of the Applied Voice faculty at Augustana College and Kirkwood Community College. For this concert series, Mendoza is accompanied by Jessica Monnier on the piano in the Muscatine Art Center’s Music Room.
Nov
16
A Concert of Hope and Healing 1
Living Proof Exhibit and the Muscatine Art Center have teamed up to offer a two-part concert series by Muscatine-native, Juan Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza is a Juilliard trained tenor who has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Music Festival, New York Society for Ethical Culture, and Aspen Opera Theater Center. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Arts degree from the University of Iowa and is currently part of the Applied Voice faculty at Augustana College and Kirkwood Community College. For this concert series, Mendoza is accompanied by Jessica Monnier on the piano in the Muscatine Art Center’s Music Room.
Dec
31
Virtual Noon Year's Eve Celebration
Let’s bring 2020 to a close with an online party! Join the Muscatine Art Center and special guests for a countdown to noon. While the online event will take place on Facebook, all kids are encouraged to dress up and make their own party hats and noisemakers. Families may want to prepare their own snacks and special drinks.
Jan
1
Virtual Bingo Through January 31st
Virtual bingo is back! In April 2020, we played virtual bingo and it was so much fun, we want to do it again! Scroll down to find your bingo card and some video tutorials. You can also come pick up a copy at the Muscatine Art Center during our open hours.
Jan
17
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Winter Pines Watercolor January 17
This winter Red Barn Studio classes will meet Sundays in the Muscatine Art Center’s studio. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends members. Class size is limited. Reservations required by the Friday before class. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Jan
24
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Nightingale Cactus Blossom Watercolor January 24
This winter Red Barn Studio classes will meet Sundays in the Muscatine Art Center’s studio. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends members. Class size is limited. Reservations required by the Friday before class. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Mar
14
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Garden Gnome Watercolor March 14
This winter Red Barn Studio classes will meet Sundays in the Muscatine Art Center’s studio. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends members. Class size is limited. Reservations required by the Friday before class. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Feb
7
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Lovely Little Piggies Watercolor February 7
This winter Red Barn Studio classes will meet Sundays in the Muscatine Art Center’s studio. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends members. Class size is limited. Reservations required by the Friday before class. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Feb
21
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Watercolor Resin and Paper Pendant or Earrings February 21
This winter Red Barn Studio classes will meet Sundays in the Muscatine Art Center’s studio. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends members. Class size is limited. Reservations required by the Friday before class. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Mar
7
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Button Birdie Mosaic on Paper March 7
This winter Red Barn Studio classes will meet Sundays in the Muscatine Art Center’s studio. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends members. Class size is limited. Reservations required by the Friday before class. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Jul
30
Creative Sessions Video: Bookmaking with Brian Allen
This session was held on July 30th. See below for a quick video on how to start your own bookmaking project.
Jun
27
Virtual Kids' Saturday Workshop - Antoni Gaudi Video
See below for a video from Miss Julie on how to make your very own Gaudi inspired sand castle!
Jan
16
Kids' Saturday Workshop - Jackson Pollock
Jackson Pollock was an American painter and a notable figure in the abstract expressionist movement. He was an artist mostly noticed and recognized for his technique of pouring or splashing household paint across a canvas. This became known as “drip painting” or “action painting” and earned him the nickname, “Action Jackson.” Jackson laid his canvas on the floor and used the momentum of his whole body to paint. Join Miss Julie on Saturday, January 16th from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to learn more about “Action Jackson” and recreate your very own, one-of-a-kind abstract painting in the style of Jackson Pollock!
Feb
15
Take & Make Art
Got a child who is “bored” at home? Need an idea of a craft to do with them? We’ve got you covered! Our Take & Make projects are fun, easy projects that can completed with a few additional supplies at home. Each paper bag comes with instructions and simple supplies to make a quick project. Use what is provided or add your own flair. These projects are FREE and available to pick up at the Muscatine Art Center during our open hours. Projects vary and some are holiday-specific.
Aug
6
First Thursday- Fired Ink Art Video
This class will be pre-recorded and shared here, on the Muscatine Art Center's Facebook page and YouTube channel on the first Thursday of the month. See below for supplies needed.
Jul
2
First Thursday- Wine Cork Pendant Video
This class will be pre-recorded and shared here, and on the Muscatine Art Center's YouTube channel and Facebook page on the first Thursday of the month. See below for the video and supplies needed.
Jan
14
First Thursday- Recycled Magazine Flowers January 14
Get out all those old magazines you have been collecting and make something new! We will cut, glue, and roll magazine pages to make a bouquet of flowers- no watering required! Bring your own magazines, or use some of ours. Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Feb
4
First Thursday- Marbled Paper February 4
There are many ways to create a marbling effect on paper, and in this class we will explore a few! We will use different kinds of paper to create beautiful marbled designs. When dried, the paper can become bookmarks, greeting cards, jewelry, and more! Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Mar
4
First Thursday- Alcohol Ink Ceramic Coasters March 4
Alcohol ink is a versatile medium that can be used in all sorts of ways. In this class, we will create swirling effects on ceramic tiles to create a set of four coasters, where no two will be alike! Guests must wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Jan
28
Mini Masters Wednesday Mornings
Mini Masters has returned to in-person class on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Please wear masks. Reservations required. Call 563-263-8282 to register. Go to the Muscatine Art Center Mini Masters Facebook page to watch the weekly videos, and view other content related to tots. Check back with us for updates and other cancellations.
Jan
28
Mini Masters Thursday Afternoons
Mini Masters will return to in-person class on Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. Please wear masks. Registration limited, reservations required. Call 563-263-8282 to register. Go to the Muscatine Art Center Mini Masters Facebook page to watch the weekly videos, and view other content related to tots. Check back with us for updates and other cancellations.
Dec
1
12 Days of Christmas Videos
Need a fun activity to do with your loved ones this holiday season? Check out our "12 Days of Christmas Videos" below for things to do virtually with your loved ones!
