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

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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.

Events & Classes

Dec

31

Free Family Event: Noon Year's Eve - December 31 Image

Free Family Event: Noon Year's Eve - December 31

A family favorite is back! Join us at the Muscatine Art Center on Tuesday, December 31st to celebrate the new year - a little early! Enjoy some tasty snacks, create party hats and noisemakers, and stay for the balloon drop at Noon! Registration not required.

Dec

7

Ornament Competition/Family Festival & Market - December 7 Image

Ornament Competition/Family Festival & Market - December 7

Get festive for a good cause! Support Friends of the Muscatine Art Center by attending the Family Festival & Market and be among the very first to purchase ornaments from the Heartfelt & Handmade Ornament Competition. Ornaments purchased during the event will be available to take home that day. New this year is the Family Festival & Market which includes a vendor market, studio crafts for kids, photos with Santa, and a free-will donation hot chocolate bar. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Muscatine Art Center and educational programs at the Muscatine Art Center. Sponsors include HNI Corporation and SSAB.

Dec

24

Closed for Christmas December 24 & 25 Image

Closed for Christmas December 24 & 25

The Muscatine Art Center will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas. We will reopen Thursday, December 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Dec

31

Closing for New Year's December 31 at 2:00 pm & Closed January 1 Image

Closing for New Year's December 31 at 2:00 pm & Closed January 1

The Muscatine Art Center will close at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 and remain closed Wednesday, January 1 in observance of New Year's. We will reopen Thursday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Nov

28

Closed for Thanksgiving November 28 & 29 Image

Closed for Thanksgiving November 28 & 29

The Muscatine Art Center will be closed November 28 & 29 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will reopen November 30 at 1:00 p.m.

Dec

5

Free Performance: Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series Presents Sunny Jain Image

Free Performance: Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series Presents Sunny Jain

The Muscatine Art Center is excited to announce a free live performance from Sunny Jain on Thursday, December 5 beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the Muscatine Art Center Music Room. The FREE performance is in partnership with Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.

Dec

12

Adult Studio: Boho-Inspired Fabric & Bead Mobile - December 12 Image

Adult Studio: Boho-Inspired Fabric & Bead Mobile - December 12

Feeling inspired? Grab a friend and come make a whimsical boho-inspired mobile! We’ll use ribbon, lace, fabric, and beads to create a one-of-a-kind mobile you can hang in your home. You can even add a light and turn it into a chandelier! No experience necessary. Light not included. Register by December 11. Classes are limited to 15 people. Call 563-263-8282 for more information. Fees required upon registration.

Nov

1

NOVEMBER EVENTS Image

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Check flyer below for at-a-glance information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of November! Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes, programming, and to sign up.

Dec

21

Teen Workshop: Bleach Dyed Shirts - December 21 - Ages 13+ Image

Teen Workshop: Bleach Dyed Shirts - December 21 - Ages 13+

Teens can get creative with fun and easy crafts and projects, complete with snacks and music. On December 21st, drop in to dye shirts with bleach. **BRING YOUR OWN DARK-COLORED SHIRTS**. Registration not required.

Dec

15

Red Barn Studio - A Silver Winter - December 15 Image

Red Barn Studio - A Silver Winter - December 15

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*

Nov

30

*FULL* Gingerbread House Workshop - November 30 Image

*FULL* Gingerbread House Workshop - November 30

Get ready for the delicious smell of gingerbread! Join Miss Julie to build your own gingerbread house! Fee for one house is $12 and includes icing ONLY. Please bring your own candy. Class size is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by November 26.

Dec

1

Mini Masters Wednesday Mornings @ 9:30 a.m. Image

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.

Dec

1

Mini Masters Thursday Afternoons @ 3:30 p.m. Image

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.