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
17
Bilingual Mini Masters Third Tuesdays @ 3:30 p.m. - March 17, 2026
The new Bilingual Mini Masters is a free class in partnership with the Diversity Service Center of Iowa to provide Spanish language translations. Classes are offered the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. These sessions mirror the original Mini Masters classes with a storybook reading and art projects, but will provide the story and all instructions in both English and Spanish. These classes are free with no registration required.
Feb
17
Bilingual Mini Masters Third Tuesdays @ 3:30 p.m. - February 17, 2026
The new Bilingual Mini Masters is a free class in partnership with the Diversity Service Center of Iowa to provide Spanish language translations. Classes are offered the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. These sessions mirror the original Mini Masters classes with a storybook reading and art projects, but will provide the story and all instructions in both English and Spanish. These classes are free with no registration required.
Feb
22
Grant Wood & Hollywood - Lecture & Film with Sandra Lee Hudson - February 22
Sandra Lee Hudson received an Author's Grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to document the story of a 1940 Hollywood art happening in which Grant Wood created the largest—and perhaps his least-known—painting of his career. The lecture and film short will focus on Grant Wood as “Hollywood darling.” No registration required.
Feb
8
Adult Studio: Pet Portraits with Brianna Rivers - February 8
Join artist Brianna Rivers to bring a portrait of your favorite pet to life. Submit a photograph of your pet when you register and start your painting with a professional sketch! All supplies are included, and no experience is necessary. Register by October 10 to allow time for sketches by calling (563) 263-8282. Fees are $35 or $30 for Friends Members.
Feb
7
"Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel" Featuring Tom Milligan - February 7
In celebration of the Midwest Icons" exhibit closing February 22, Humanities Iowa scholar Tom Milligan will present his one-man show "Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel." In the show, Milligan is transformed into the artist to chat with his audience as if talking to an old friend over the backyard fence. This event is free, brought to the Muscatine community through the support of Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society, Inc. of Iowa. No registration is required.
Mar
26
3D Names with Zentangles with Miss Heather - March 26 - Ages 9+
Learn how to make letters look three dimensional while exploring Zentangles, the relaxation of making repetitive patterns called tangles out of simple lines and shapes. Register by March 24
Feb
21
Woven Animals with Miss Heather - February 21 - Ages 9+
Weave an animal in this fiber arts workshop. Learn how to set up a handmade loom and various weaving techniques while designing an animal of your choice! Register by February 19.
Feb
21
"Zine" Workshop for Kids - February 21, 2026
Join the University of Iowa Art Education students for a free workshop. Kids will create a “magazine” page to illustrate their own stories, using collage methods.
Feb
28
Fashion Craft with Miss Brianna - February 28 - Ages 13+
Make your own hair clips, broaches, and other fashion accessories out of simple craft supplies and household items. Supplies are provided. No experience is necessary. Register by February 26.
Feb
15
Learning to Look with Carol J. Anthony: "Midwest Icons" - February 15 FREE
Join us for a guided discussion of the "Midwest Icons" exhibit. You will learn to look, analyze, and decipher art and the intent of the maker. Beginning and working artists, as well as general art lovers, are invited to participate. Registration required by February 12, by calling (563) 263-8282.
Feb
14
Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - Sailors Valentine - February 14
Students will craft their own valentine on this special day, creating their own version of a sailors valentine from the late 1800s. These intricate, handcrafted shell mosaics were sold to sailors on whaling and merchant’s ships as souvenirs for loved ones back home. Register by February 12.
Mar
28
Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - Civil War Craft - March 28
Children’s silhouettes were popular during the Civil War era, as an affordable and quick way to capture likenesses, with many remaining as the only portraits of individuals - including children - from that time. Participants will submit a child’s portrait in profile by email when they register. Register by March 26.
Mar
1
Adult Workshop: Japanese Stab Binding with Heather Seibel - March 1
Learn the art of Japanese Stab Binding, a book form with an exposed spine with sewn patterns ranging from intricate to simple. This method is a great option for binding single sheets of paper. The simplicity of the construction method makes this a perfect style for new book makers! Register by February 27.
Mar
29
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Gold Leaf Koi Pond - March 29
Follow along as artist Vada Baker guides participants through each step of the watercolor process to create their own Koi Pond. Classic brush technique and gold foil will be used. Supplies are included and no experience is necessary. Class size is limited, so no walk-ins will be allowed. Register by March 27.
Feb
6
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Check flyer below for at-a-glance information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of February! Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes, programming, and to sign up.
Mar
19
Art Array 2026 Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony - March 19, 2026
Meet and mingle with Art Array 2026 artists and jurors. See this year’s entries. Be on hand when the winners of the first, second, and third place prizes are announced. No registration required.
Feb
10
Projects to Go - "Valentine's Day Take & Makes", available February 10-15
Stop by the Muscatine Art Center during open hours and grab a craft bag, each one containing some supplies to make a few projects. These bags are free to pick up while supplies last.
Feb
6
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!
Feb
6
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.
Mar
7
CHICKENS! with Muscatine County Conservation - March 7
Join Muscatine County Conservation to learn about chickens and all their crazy quirks. Participants will enjoy a live animal demonstration and then create a chicken craft to celebrate their new feathered friends. There is no registration for this free event.
