The Christian Petersen Art Museum was opened in a renovated Morrill Hall in 2007. The museum is named after the nation’s first permanent campus artist-in-residence, Christian Petersen, who sculpted and taught at Iowa State University from 1934 through 1955, and is considered the founder of the Art on Campus Collection. University Museums strives to preserve his legacy and continue his tradition of art on the Iowa State University campus through exhibitions and educational programs. The Christian Petersen Art Museum exhibits works of art by Christian Petersen in addition to a rotating schedule of exhibitions that includes contemporary art, public art, and exhibitions that engage a diverse group of departments across campus.
The Christian Petersen Art Museum is the home of the Christian Petersen Art Collection, the Art on Campus Program, the University Museums’ Visual Literacy and Learning Program, and contemporary changing art exhibitions. The two main art galleries are the Lyle and Nancy Campbell Art Gallery on the main floor and the Roy and Bobbi Reiman Public Art Studio Gallery on the lower level of Morrill Hall.
Click here for current exhibitions.
Cost
The cost is free, with a suggested donation of $8.
Hours
Campbell Gallery Hours: (first floor - 1017):
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday and University holidays & breaks
Reiman Gallery Hours: (lower level - 0003)
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday and University holidays & breaks
Petersen Gallery: (lower level - 0003 hallway) - Accessible during Morrill Hall open hours
Click here to see when the museums are closed.
Accessibility
There is a ramp at the east entrance (Morrill Road side, north side of the stairs) to the lower level. The west entrance (near the Hub) is also accessible. There is an elevator inside the building.
The ISU campus is bike and pedestrian friendly. There is limited vehicle access to Osborne Drive and Morrill Road from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Morrill Road is closed from Morrill Hall to Osborne Drive for construction. Morrill Road between Union Drive and the Hub/Morrill Hall driveway will be two-directional for about two years, or the duration of the LeBaron Hall replacement project. The road is closed adjacent to the construction site, so northbound vehicles won't be able to reach Osborn Drive. "Authorized vehicles" generally are those with parking permits along Morrill Road and visitors or deliveries to locations such as Morrill, Beardshear and Carver halls and the Hub.
Morrill Road's westside sidewalk is open for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Should you need to access these roads during these times to visit the Christian Petersen Art Museum, please call the office at 515.294.3342 ahead of your visit to receive instructions.
Address
0003 and 1017 Morrill Hall
603 Morrill Road
Ames, Iowa 50011
Parking
Memorial Union Parking Ramp
2229 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50011
Also located within Morrill Hall is the Mary Alice Gallery - Textile and Clothing Museum.