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

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Hawkeyes at Home

Saturday, January 11, 2025 10:00am to 10:30am
Explore the cutting-edge research and stories shaping our world with Hawkeyes at Home, two new video specials from the University of Iowa. Hawkeyes in Flight (Streaming begins Jan. 4) Take to the skies with UI experts from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Iowa Raptor Project, and the Stanley Museum of Art. Watch the video on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTAyv0XTMFU. Make No Bones About It (Streaming begins Jan. 11) Dig into stories about natural...
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