Christian Petersen Art Museum
Reiman Gallery, 0003 Morrill Hall
August 25 - December 19, 2025
Mary with Braids, 1945 by Christian Petersen (Danish - American, 1885 - 1961). Brown pencil on paper. Gift of the estate of Mary Petersen. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. UM2024.140
This exhibition honors the life and legacy of Mary C. Petersen (1936–2024), daughter of Christian Petersen (1885–1961), Iowa State’s sculptor-in-residence and the first permanent university artist-in-residence in the nation. As University Museums celebrates 50 years, Mary’s generous estate gift ensures that the story of her father’s life and work will continue to be documented, preserved, and shared with future generations.
Mary grew up in Ames during the height of her father’s career at Iowa State, surrounded by his creative process and the evolving campus landscape shaped by his art. Between 1934 and 1955, Christian Petersen created 12 site specific public sculptures and hundreds of studio works of art for Iowa State, helping define the campus’s cultural and visual identity. Petersen frequently modeled his family in his work – look for young Mary in the Marriage Ring fountain (1942) and the bronze Children's Fountain (Joy Fountain) (1938). After Christian’s death in 1961, Mary remained closely connected to her half-siblings and extended family from his first marriage. Her personal memories, family records, and collaboration with curators played a crucial role in locating and identifying many of her father’s early works of art.
This exhibition reflects on Mary’s life through the lens of art and presents a lasting record of Christian Petersen’s prints, sculptures, and drawings. Together, these objects stand as a testament to the care, intellect, and generosity that defined both the artist’s practice and his family’s enduring commitment to his legacy.
This exhibition is curated and organized by University Museums. Support was given by the Estate of Lorraine Bliese (Grosse) Bruns and University Museums Membership.
Exhibition Programs
Find full descriptions of programs on the University Museums Calendar. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Click the event title for more information and to register. Events listed below will be at the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Campbell Gallery (1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa) unless otherwise noted. Times are Central Standard Time (CST). Programs are subject to change. Check the University Museums Calendar and Facebook page for the latest events information.
Mary Petersen: A Life Remembered Through Art
December 4, 2025, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (US Central)
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Join University Museums for a virtual program exploring the life of Mary C. Petersen (1936–2024) and her lasting connection to Iowa State’s artistic legacy. Learn how her contributions and generous gift have helped preserve the work of her father, sculptor Christian Petersen, and shaped ongoing efforts to document his impact on campus and beyond.
Visit the Christian Petersen Art Museum
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday and University holidays & breaks
Click here to see when the museums are closed.
Address: 1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa
Admission: The cost is free; however, there is a suggested donation of $8.