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
Oct
29
Scarecrow & Jack-o-Lantern Competition October 29-November 1
The Muscatine Art Center is inviting families, artists, crafters, and students to participate in the Scarecrow & Jack-o-Lantern Competitions this October. Entries will be on view October 29th through November 1st during our open hours. See below for more details and how to enter! Entries now due Friday, October 16th, 2020.
Jul
15
Visiting Artist Summer Workshops- Food & Summer Art Videos
These workshops were held July 15th and July 17th. See below for videos on the projects we did in class, and make your own at home!
Sep
24
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Dutch Pour Acrylic Painting September 24
In this class we will create a one-of-a-kind acrylic painting using the Dutch paint pour method. Paint pouring is a uniquely fun (and messy) way to paint an abstract piece perfect for hanging in your home. We'll use rich colors of acrylic paints to create a beautiful swirling effect. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. Class size is limited. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Sep
18
Family Movie Night
Summer is winding down! What better way to welcome fall than a family movie night! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy Disney Pixar's "The Incredibles". Movie starts at dusk, 7:30 p.m. Rain date is Friday, September 25th at 7:30 p.m.
Sep
1
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Check flyer below for information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of September. Some sessions have been recorded and can be viewed online. Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes and programming.
Oct
1
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Acrylic Painting on Wooden Sign October 1
In this class we will paint a whimsical fall sign on a wooden board to spruce up your front door or to place in your garden this fall. We'll use rich fall colors of acrylic paint to create a unique board of your own. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. Class size is limited. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Oct
22
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Reverse Glass Fall Scene October 22
In this class we will create a colorful fall scene by painting on the back of glass! Whether you hang it, or display it, adding this framed painting to your home decor is sure to make you feel cozy this fall. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. Class size is limited. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Oct
29
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Owl Polymer Clay Pendant October 29
In this class, we will make a unique owl pendant out of polymer clay and mica powders. This polymer clay owl will look great as a necklace or a keychain. There is no need for previous clay experience-beginner friendly! Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. Class size is limited. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Oct
1
OCTOBER EVENTS
Check flyer below for information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of October. Some sessions have been recorded and can be viewed online. Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes and programming.
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.
Oct
15
Living Proof Exhibit Creative Sessions: "I am" Suns with Gina Kirschbaum October 15
Creative Sessions are free and open to cancer survivors, patients, and their support team. In this session, artist Gina Kirschbaum will lead this fun session where we will celebrate healing through a mixed media collage. This session will be held outside, weather permitting. Reservations required.
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!
Oct
17
Kids' Saturday Workshop October 17 - Pacita Abad
Celebrate the birthdays of famous artists by making art inspired by a different artist each month. Miss Julie teaches students about the artist and guides students in creating their own masterpieces. Class size is limited and reservations are required to ensure physical distancing. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up.
Feb
15
Take & Make Art
*UPDATE 6/16/2020: The Take & Make program is back. Our weekend hours are Saturday/Sunday 1-4 pm. Please wear a mask while in the building.* Need something to do on the weekend? Stop by the Muscatine Art Center and grab a Take & Make project! Every Saturday and Sunday during open hours.
Aug
6
First Thursday with Katy Loos- 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 with Katy Loos- 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.
Sep
28
Mini Masters Wednesday Mornings
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. UPDATE 8/19/20: Mini Masters will return to in-person class on Wednesday, October 7th at 9:30 a.m. Reservations for the first 9 people (kids and adults) will be required. Adults please wear masks.
Sep
28
SUSPENDED- Mini Masters Thursday Afternoon
UPDATE 6/13/2020: There will be no Mini Masters on Thursday afternoon for the immediate future. Check back with us for updates and other cancellations. Every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Mini Masters is an engaging program for young learners (ages 2 to 7).
Oct
8
October Booked on Art: Song of Hiawatha
Booked on Art October Meet Up Thursday, October 8th, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Muscatine Art Center Music Room. Please RSVP to ensure enough space for physical distancing. Please wear a mask.
