Welcome to the Museum
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.
Calendar
2026 Downtown Fall Gallery Walk
Join the Stanley Museum of Art, the UI Libraries, and the UI Museum of Natural History for the Iowa City Downtown District's Fall Gallery Walk! This annual free event invites everyone to take a self-guided tour of shops and galleries showcasing local art and exhibitions in downtown Iowa City. You don't want to miss these three premier campus destinations:
Stanley Museum of Art: To kick-off the Downtown Gallery Walk, the Stanley will launch the latest iteration of its Thresholds: Poetry series...
Learn about the race to save one of the world's few remaining cycloramas, right here at the UI Museum of Natural History.
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.
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.
