PLEASE NOTE: The Pentacrest Museums will be closed to the public during the following dates:

  • Annual Winter Closure: 12/25/24 - 1/15/25

Welcome to the Museum

Macbride Hall

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is the second oldest museum in the United States west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1858, the museum has been free and open to the public for more than 160 years housing specimens, objects, and artifacts on display to support learning and exploration.

Learn more about our history 

Calendar

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, February 7, 2025 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces. Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists. Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session...
Learn about the race to save one of the world's few remaining cycloramas, right here at the UI Museum of Natural History.

Read now

Laysan Island Cyclorama

The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums (Old Capitol Museum & The UI Museum of Natural History) serve to strengthen the vital role of both Museums in the educational, research, and engagement missions of the University, enhancing the campus-wide focus on cultural and environmental diversity. 

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The Pentacrest Museums accept donations via the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. Your tax-deductible gift of any size contributes to research, collections care, and innovative learning experiences on and off campus.

GIVE TO UIPM

Musk Oxen at UI Museum of Natural History, Mammal Hall photo by John Emigh