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Remember there are three different museums, a sculpture garden, and the Art on Campus Collection. All are on campus at Iowa State University. Specific locations and hours for each are listed on the Visit tab.
Regular Parking & Game Day Options (Football and Basketball)
Regular free parking for the Brunnier Art Museum is available in lot B1 north of the Scheman Building. There are also two reserved spaces for museum visitors directly in front of the north set of doors into the Scheman Bldg. Handicap parking, with a state permit, is provided in lot B1.
During Game Days (Football and Basketball) access to the Brunnier Art Museum will change with parking for football and basketball. All visitors should plan to park in the "F" lot between C.Y. Stephens and Fisher Theater, utilize the elevated walkway to the east to access the Scheman Building on that level. The elevator will be accessible to go up one floor.
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When visiting the Farm House Museum, Christian Petersen Art Museum, Anderson Sculpture Garden, or touring the Art on Campus Collection, there are several options:
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Park at the Memorial Union Parking Ramp
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Park at the East Parking Deck
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Find nearby metered parking spaces
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Park in the free commuter lot at Iowa State Center and take CyRide's free circular (#23 orange) to central campus
Maps, times, parking fee information and more can be found at the ISU Parking Division website.
ISU Parking Division Accessible Parking Info
University Museums does not validate parking.
Admission to all University Museums at Iowa State University is free with a suggested donation of $8.
There are costs for group tours.
Groups must be 8 or more people. Group tours Monday-Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm cost $5 per person per site (or Art on Campus). Tours done evenings and Weekends cost $8 per person per site (or Art on Campus).
Click here to schedule your tour.
You can find current hours and locations on the Visit tab.
The ISU campus is bike and pedestrian friendly. There is limited vehicle access to Osborne Drive, Farm House Lane, and Morrill Road from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Should you need vehicle access to these roads during these times to visit the Christian Petersen Art Museum, the Farm House Museum, or the Anderson Sculpture Garden, please call the office at 515.294.3342 ahead of your visit to receive instructions. Visitors are responsible for bringing any mobility devices they may use.
Check the ISU Parking page for information about permits and a map of accessible parking on campus.
Brunnier Art Museum & University Museums Office
The main entrance to the Scheman Building (north side) is accessible for those with mobility aids. There are accessible parking spaces directly in front of the building, one set of doors has a wave-to-open sensor, and there are elevators inside.
Christian Petersen Art Museum
There is a ramp at the Morrill Hall east entrance (Morrill Road side, north side of the stairs) to the lower level. The west entrance (near the Hub) is also accessible. Both of these entrances have wave-to-open sensors. There is an elevator inside the building.
Farm House Museum
There is a ramp from the sidewalk on the west side of the Farm House to the front porch. There is no sensor to open the door. Only the first floor is accessible, there are some flooring transitions that are not level and some doorways in the historic home are narrower than 36 inches.
Anderson Sculpture Garden
There are paved sidewalks in the sculpture garden.
Art on Campus Collection
Outdoor objects are viewable from sidewalks. Please check individual buildings for indoor viewing accessibility.
Certain exhibitions do not allow photography. If you see a sign saying no photos or videos, please respect the rules.
Photos and videos to be used for print, broadcast or any kind of publication or reproduction need permission from University Museums. Email museums@iastate.edu or call 515.294.3342. Also, see the Image Rights and Reproduction page. There is a form you can fill out there.
If there are no signs about photography, you may take photos for personal use only.
Generally, no, you are not allowed to touch the art. You could hurt the art and sometimes it could hurt you.
If it is safe to interact with the art, there will be a sign giving permission.
Feel free to have conversations in the museums. Please don't yell. It hurts our ears.
The University Museums staff is always happy to discuss the exhibitions, programs, events, visual literacy, and more!
Yes, feel free to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or anything you like on your headphones while you experience your University Museums. Please do not play music or other sounds on speakers.
While some of the art in the University Museums collections and loaned exhibitions may not follow a dress code, you are expected to keep your private parts private. Wear a shirt or top and some kind of bottom. Shoes are required.
Some themed events may have suggestions for attire, but wear what makes you comfortable!
Read the information on the Image Rights and Reproduction page and then fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Find a list of all publications available for purchase on the Publications page.
To purchase in-person, stop in the University Museum office during office hours, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
To have a publication mailed to you, call the University Museum office at 515.294.3342 during office hours and purchase with your credit card over the phone.
Email museums@iastate.edu or fill out the contact form if you have questions.
The office is located on the top floor of the Scheman Building, 1805 Center Drive, Ames, IA.
As a nonprofit institution, University Museums staff are not legally able to give anyone an appraisal or estimate of worth for any type of art. We suggest you find online groups, forums, and/or marketplaces. You can also search online for local appraisers in your area.
Some of our free public programs are tours.
All tours require at least two weeks' notice to schedule. Tours are free for ISU classes and groups. All other tours have a cost per person per location. To schedule a tour for your group or class, fill out a Tour Request Form.