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
31
Virtual Noon Year's Eve Celebration
Let’s bring 2020 to a close with an online party! Join Program Coordinator Katy Loos 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. Free Noon Year’s Eve in a bag kits will be available to pick up at the Muscatine Art Center on December 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 29th, and 30th during regular hours. No registration required.
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.
Nov
1
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Check flyer below for information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of November. Some sessions have been recorded and can be viewed online. Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes and programming.
Nov
15
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Winter Pines Watercolor November 15
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 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.
Nov
19
Virtual Elf on the Shelf
What has your Elf on the Shelf been doing since the last holiday season? Are they ready for more mischief? Well your little playful elves are in for a treat because the holiday season is upon us! This year the Muscatine Art Center will host a Virtual Elf on the Shelf competition! See below for details!
Nov
22
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Nightingale Cactus Blossom Watercolor November 22
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 should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Dec
6
Red Barn Studio with Vada Baker- Gnome for the Holidays Card December 6
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 should 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!
Nov
1
Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls
Celebrate this holiday by creating sugar skulls or calaveras and learn about the holiday and culture. Class sizes are limited and reservations are required to ensure physical distancing. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up for one of the following time slots: 1:30-2:00 pm, 2:15-2:45 pm, 3:00-3:30 pm.
Dec
5
Gingerbread House Workshop December 5
Back again this winter is the fun Gingerbread House workshop! A family favorite is back! Julie Lear will once again lead this in-person class. In-person class size is limited and advanced registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. New this year, how-to videos will be posted as part of the 12 Days of Christmas series. Families may also purchase a kit to follow along with the videos at home. Kits are $10 each and contain the gingerbread, icing, and candy. Call Katy at 563-263-8282 to make your reservations or to reserve your kit. Kits will be available to pick up starting on December 4th while supplies last.
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.
Nov
5
First Thursday- Bohemian Wall Mirror November 5
We'll take an ordinary mirror and decorate it with beads, yarn, fabric, and more. You're welcome to bring anything you wish to use! Please note: we will be using hot glue for this project. Reservations required the day before class. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
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.
Nov
12
Extra "First Thursday"- Beginner Macrame Keychain November 12
In this bonus "First Thursday" class, Katy will teach you some basic macrame knots and guide you in making your own macrame keychain! Reservations required the day before class. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Dec
3
First Thursday- Moonlit Cherry Blossom Tree December 3
Use deep hues of blue, purple, and pink acrylics to paint a beautiful cherry blossom tree in the moonlight. Follow easy step-by-step instructions to complete your own scene, and add your own flair! Reservations required the day before class. Guests should wear a mask while in the building. Call 563-263-8282 to reserve your spot.
Oct
29
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.
Oct
29
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
12
Holiday Open House Family Fun
The wonder of the holidays is present at the historic Musser-McColm home, and all are invited to experience the magic of the season! On both Saturday and Sunday, quick family photos will be allowed in the historic library - this opportunity is not open to professional photographers. On Saturday, families can rotate through several Santa craft projects presented throughout the facility to allow for distancing. Music lovers will want to return on Sunday to enjoy holiday tunes by pianist Richard Sessler. Rather than sitting for the concert, move about and listen while viewing the decorated house. Take and make projects will be available for kids. Free admission, no registration. Please wear a mask and bring your own camera for photos.
