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 – 5 pm
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
Nov
22
The Christmas Magic Lantern Show
The American Magic Lantern Theater is an authentic Victorian big screen extravaganza. Join us for a free public performance at Central Middle School auditorium, 901 Cedar Street, Muscatine, on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec
8
Sunday With Santa
A family favorite is back again this year! Children can share their wish list with Santa, create a fun studio project, and enjoy tasty cookies in this free event!.
Dec
31
Noon Year's Eve Party
Do you want to join the New Year's Eve festivities, but can't stay up late? Then this is your chance! Stop by the Muscatine Art Center to make a party hat and enjoy some snacks. Celebrate the New Year with a countdown to noon with a balloon drop and a kiddie toast. No registration required.
Dec
8
Teddy Roosevelt: The American Boy
Adam Lindquist is an award-winning impersonator of our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. Adam Lindquist's living history presentations have brought to life Teddy Roosevelt for over 20,000 people each year. Families are invited to meet Teddy Roosevelt on Sunday, December 8, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the Muscatine Art Center Music Room immediately following Sunday With Santa.
Nov
21
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker
Combine the ocean and deep space by painting this whimsical watercolor whale with a dazzling star background. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6613
Dec
12
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Autumn Trees
Bring back the warm colors of autumn with this beautiful acrylic tree scene. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6643
Dec
19
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Winter Snowman
Paint this chilly winter snowman using bold acrylic paints. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6644
Jan
16
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Snowy Night
Cozy up with this snowy night scene using watercolors, sharpies, and gel pens. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6645
Jan
23
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Colorful Rooster
Bring some color during the snow season with this whimsical and colorful watercolor chicken and rooster. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6646
Feb
20
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Wise Old Owl
Bring this wise old owl to life with lifelike watercolors. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6647
Feb
27
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Purple Rabbit
Beckon spring with this playful purple watercolor rabbit. Fee is $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members. ID 6648
Nov
30
Kids' Ornament Workshop
Create your own fun ornament to decorate your home for the holidays. Choose one project or two! Julie Lear will guide this fun workshop where you can create something fun just in time for the holiday season! $5 donation. ID 6607
Nov
23
Kids' Saturday Workshop- November
Join Julie Lear to celebrate Laura Musser's birthday by enjoying an Edwardian-era tea time and making a tea party-related craft. Free. ID 6606
Jan
18
Chinese New Year- Year of the Rat
2020 is the Year of the Rat! Join Julie Lear to celebrate the Year of the Rat by making a Chinese New Year lantern. ID 6641
Dec
7
Gingerbread House Workshop
Back again this winter is the fun Gingerbread House workshop! Workshops will be divided into two time slots this year, so be sure to let us know which time slot you would prefer. $10 per house. Please register no later than December 1st.
Feb
8
Kids' Saturday Workshop - Victorian Valentine
Victorian Valentine's Day cards were flat sheets of paper printed with color illustrations and embossed borders. The sheets could be folded and sealed with wax, then mailed. Join Julie Lear to celebrate Valentine's Day by creating your own personal Valentine. ID 6642
Nov
2
Drop-In Tour of the Historic Musser-McColm Home
Drop-in guided tours of the historic Musser-McColm mansion are back! Hear stories about the Musser-McColm family and have your questions answered. Reservations are not required to join one of these tours offered on the first Saturday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Tours are free; donations appreciated.
Jan
25
January Saturday Drop-In Art
Not sure what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. for a quick make and take project. Miss Katy will guide you through the steps for this free activity.
Feb
15
February Saturday Drop-In Art
Not sure what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. for a quick make and take project. Miss Katy will guide you through the steps for this free activity.
Feb
6
First Thursday with Katy Loos
Polymer clay is a fun, versatile material that can be shaped into anything from figurines to jewelry. Join Katy for a beginner DIY class where we will make beautiful polymer clay pendants using powder pigments, stamps, and paint to create a unique piece. Fee includes one pendant and necklace cord. Fee is $15.00 or $13.50 for Friends members. ID 6652
Dec
5
First Thursday with Katy Loos
Deck your halls with cheery Holiday greenery this season! Come and decorate your wreath, small trees, or garlands with some festive embellishments. Bring your own greenery to decorate, or choose one of ours. *There are limited pieces available so be sure to ask when you register.*
Dec
7
Mini Masters Wednesday Morning
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).
Dec
7
Mini Masters Thursday Afternoon
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).
Jan
30
Booked on Art
Booked on Art January Meet Up Thursday, January, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Muscatine Art Center Art Reference Library.
Nov
15
Holiday Open House
Returning this year is the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center’s Heartfelt and Handmade Ornament Competition and the Holiday Pop-Up Shop. All ornaments are on view from November 15th through December 15th. The shop is open from November 15th through January 5th. The season kicks off with the Holiday Open House on Friday, November 15th from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets include two drink tickets and are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for children 18 and under. Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction / ornament sale.
