Roy and Bobbi Reiman Public Art Studio Gallery, 0003 Morrill Hall
August 25, 2025 - July 24, 2026
Detail of Unknown Political Prisoner, 1951-52, by Christian Petersen (Danish - American, 1885 - 1961). Plaster. Gift of Helen J. Sebek. In the Christian Petersen Art Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. UM2000.6
This exhibition examines the history and legacy of Christian Petersen’s monuments to the fallen, centering on his Unknown Political Prisoner maquette and related drawings and sculptures. Petersen’s entry was submitted to the 1952 international competition organized by the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, which sought to promote abstract sculpture as a symbol of democratic values and to commemorate those who had been imprisoned or killed in the struggle for human freedom. Though Petersen was not a pacifist—firmly supporting the American war efforts in both World War I and World War II—his later work reveals a profound shift. Influenced by an increasing spiritual awareness, he turned from patriotic celebration to the somber realities of war, emphasizing loss, mourning, and the enduring grief of those left behind. In the postwar years, Petersen developed numerous proposals for war memorials that honored gave form to collective remembrance, though none were realized in his lifetime. This exhibition situates The Unknown Political Prisoner within that broader arc of his artistic development and within twentieth century American art, while also commemorating the 2026 installation of a newly carved version of the sculpture in the Anderson Sculpture Garden, created through a replication process by master stone carver Nicolas Fairplay.
This exhibition is curated and organized by University Museums. Support was given by the Hilsinger Family Charitable Fund, Phyllis and Larry Lepke, 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 U.S. Central Time (CST/CDT). Programs are subject to change. Check the University Museums Calendar and Facebook page for the latest events information.
Curator’s Tour: Christian Petersen’s "Unknown Political Prisoner"
Location: Reiman Gallery, Room 0003 Morrill Hall
Join University Museums curators for a closer look at The Unknown Political Prisoner, one of Christian Petersen’s most powerful wartime works of art. Learn how this sculpture, once submitted to an international competition, fits into his artistic legacy and how it was recently brought to life in a newly carved version now installed in the Anderson Sculpture Garden.
Torture and Transcendence: Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner
October 14, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (US Central)
Location: Christian Petersen Art Museum, 2019 Morrill Hall
In 1952, during the cultural front of the Cold War, an international sculpture competition invited artists to create a monument under the theme "The Unknown Political Prisoner." Among the thousands of entries from all over the world was a surprising entry by Christian Petersen, the Danish-born artist-in-residence at Iowa State College, who throughout his career rarely entered competitions. His decision to enter—and the nature of his sculptural response—offers a compelling glimpse into the intersection of aesthetics, politics, and personal conviction during a charged historical moment.
This lecture, presented by art historian Dr. Lea Rosson DeLong, analyzes Petersen’s sculpted entry, explores the reasons it was rejected, and compares it to the winning design. Petersen’s interpretation was unusual for its time, emphasizing the physical impact of torture while also reflecting on the role of the human spirit in the context of human rights abuse. Although his Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner was rejected, this lecture proposes renewed consideration today and explores Petersen’s little-known submission within the broader framework of this Cold War competition.
Art Walk: Veteran’s Day
November 11, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (US Central)
Location: Memorial Union, Gold Star Hall
This Veteran’s Day, join University Museums for a meaningful art walk honoring the service and sacrifice of Iowa State veterans. Explore Christian Petersen’s powerful war sculptures in the Memorial Union’s Gold Star Hall and the Anderson Sculpture Garden. This guided tour connects art with history and reflects on the legacy of Cyclone veterans.
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: Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa
Admission: The cost is free; donations are appreciated.