All University Museums programs and events are free and open to the public unless noted. Programs and events are subject to change. Some events require registration. Some events have optional registration to receive updates and emails. Other events have no registration.
Support for programs provided by the Kathy & John Howell Art Enrichment Program and University Museums Membership.
Find parking information and current and upcoming exhibitions.
Collections are housed everywhere, whether in museum display cases, ornate keepsake and jewelry boxes, and more. In honor of University Museums celebrating 50 years, join us at the Brunnier Art Museum with friends old and new to explore 50 Years of Collecting and Preserving the Past. Decorate your own take-home trinket box, supplies provided and enjoy free snacks.
Read More on Museum Meetup: 50 Years of Collecting and Preserving the PastExplore the history of art! Humans love to create, learn more about the long history of art made around the world. Activities and crafts for children and families will focus on the history of art and creativity.
Activities geared towards K-5 ages; all are welcome!
Read More on Explore! 50 years of ArtExplore the intricate networks that power our world in this guided art walk through the Gerdin Business Building and Curtiss Hall. From global commerce to renewable energy, discover art through the lens of business, ecology, and innovation to examine systems and infrastructures that connect us all.
Read More on Art Walk: Systems & ConnectionsThe Christian Petersen Art Museum and Farm House Museum close for semester break November 22–30. Visit Friday 11/21 to see all three museums! The Brunnier Art Museum will be open Sun 11/23 and Tue 11/25 only. The Anderson Sculpture Garden is always open. All museums reopen December 1–2. Happy Thanksgiving!
Read More on Thanksgiving Break Holiday HoursApplications will only be accepted through CyHire. Close date is November 30 (Sunday after Thanksgiving).
Not all University Museums internship types are currently hiring. Learn more about our internships, made possible through the generosity of donors.
Read More on Internship Applications DueStroll through Iowa State’s Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Department and discover public art that tells the story of Iowa’s rich agricultural history and innovation.
Read More on Art Walk: Biorenewables ComplexJoin 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.
Read More on Mary Petersen: A Life Remembered Through ArtHosted by the University Museums’ interns and staff, in conjunction with ISU Winterfest, celebrate the holiday season at the Farm House Museum. Take part in free Victorian yuletide themed activities and crafts while you enjoy holiday treats.
Read More on Yuletide 2025: Winterfest Open HouseEnjoy festive family fun at the Farm House Museum in partnership with the Ames History Museum. Victorian yuletide themed crafts and holiday treats will be provided. Tours of the historic home in full period decoration will also be offered throughout the afternoon as well as the chance to meet and take a picture with Santa. It’s the perfect start to the holiday season for families and friends.
Read More on Yuletide Open House with SantaJoin University Museums for a peaceful walk through the Parks Library to practice mindful looking and guided reflection. Experience select public artworks from the Art on Campus Collection and discover how “slow-looking” can help reduce stress and inspire self-reflection.
Read More on Art for Mindfulness and ReflectionJoin University Museums docent Steve Petska at Parks Library for a guided tour of public art celebrating plant life in all its forms—from delicate florals to lush prairie—in the Art on Campus Collection!
Read More on Art Walk: Botanical BeautyBeth Lipman: Middle of the Story
Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection
Forms of Remembrance: The Unknown Political Prisoner
Read More on Christian Petersen Art Museum SS26 Exhibitions OpenThe Christian Petersen Art Museum is opening a week before the semester begins to give visitors an early opportunity to enjoy the galleries before the busy start of classes. Explore the peaceful winter landscape of the Anderson Sculpture Garden, then wander inside the Christian Petersen Art Museum for a cozy, art-filled retreat. Free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Read More on Winter Retreat at the Christian Petersen Art MuseumThe Christian Petersen Art Museum is opening a week before the semester begins to give visitors an early opportunity to enjoy the galleries before the busy start of classes. Explore the peaceful winter landscape of the Anderson Sculpture Garden, then wander inside the Christian Petersen Art Museum for a cozy, art-filled retreat. Free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Read More on Winter Retreat at the Christian Petersen Art MuseumThe Christian Petersen Art Museum is opening a week before the semester begins to give visitors an early opportunity to enjoy the galleries before the busy start of classes. Explore the peaceful winter landscape of the Anderson Sculpture Garden, then wander inside the Christian Petersen Art Museum for a cozy, art-filled retreat. Free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Read More on Winter Retreat at the Christian Petersen Art MuseumThe Christian Petersen Art Museum is opening a week before the semester begins to give visitors an early opportunity to enjoy the galleries before the busy start of classes. Explore the peaceful winter landscape of the Anderson Sculpture Garden, then wander inside the Christian Petersen Art Museum for a cozy, art-filled retreat. Free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Read More on Winter Retreat at the Christian Petersen Art MuseumThe Christian Petersen Art Museum is opening a week before the semester begins to give visitors an early opportunity to enjoy the galleries before the busy start of classes. Explore the peaceful winter landscape of the Anderson Sculpture Garden, then wander inside the Christian Petersen Art Museum for a cozy, art-filled retreat. Free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Read More on Winter Retreat at the Christian Petersen Art MuseumNorwood Viviano: Mapping Infrastructure/Mapping Agriculture
January – July 2026
Tell Me a Story
Co-curated by Dr. Michèle Schaal, ISU Professor of French and Women’s and Gender Studies
January – July 2026
America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People's College
February - October 2026
Save the date for a special joint event with two influential, contemporary glass artists: Beth Lipman and Norwood Viviano, whose exhibitions in the Christian Petersen Art Museum and the Brunnier Art Museum, respectively, will be on view concurrently for a limited time. Details to come!
Read More on Special Evening with Glass Artists Beth Lipman and Norwood VivianoSave this date for a multi-sensory experience of art and music in concert with the exhibition Beth Lipman: Middle of the Story.
Experience glass and arts in a brand new way. A perfect prelude to Valentine's Day.
Join our mailing list for more information.
Read More on Special Evening of Art and MusicMore information to come. Due to planned essential utility work in the area and for everyone's safety, we are anticipating a closure of the Anderson Sculpture Garden during March 16 - August 17, 2026.
We expect that access to Morrill Hall and the Christian Petersen Art Museum will remain unaffected during this period.
Join our mailing list for information about planned improvements following the reopening!
Read More on Anticipated Temporary Closure of the Anderson Sculpture Garden