Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a tour or program, please contact the Stanley Museum of Art in advance at 319-335-1727.

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, December 5, 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 and...

Stanley Creates | Memoirs of an Elf promotional image

Stanley Creates | Memoirs of an Elf

Saturday, December 6, 2025 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

This special holiday-themed session of Stanley Creates will begin with children reading Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian, a delightful story that captures the magic of the holidays through the eyes of an elf named Spark.

Following the story, children will design their very own festive elf hats!

Please arrive in time for children to settle in; program begins at 2:00 pm with story time, followed by a project inspired by the book.

Workshop led by Debra Marqusee.

Stanley Creates is a free, family...

Study at the Stanley  promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:00am to 4:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Study at the Stanley  promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 10:00am to 3:59pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Study at the Stanley  promotional image

Study at the Stanley

Thursday, December 18, 2025 10:00am to 3:59pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Make the Stanley your study spot for finals week. We'll have free cocoa, coffee, cider, and snacks available all day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Stop by for a few hours to study for your exams: grab a snack, replenish your study supplies (we'll have post its, highlighters, and more) and take a quick break — either by exploring the galleries or playing with a fidget toy.

Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo promotional image

Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo

Sunday, December 21, 2025 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

The Drawing Salon focuses on drawing artworks from the museum's collection. Each session will focus on a different artwork. The sessions will begin with an introduction and discussion of the selected work. Participants will be encouraged to pursue their own visions and to take inspiration from the artworks in the gallery.

Pencils and sketchbooks/paper are the only artmaking materials allowed in the galleries. The museum has golf pencils with erasers and clipboards for participants to use. Stools...

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, February 6, 2026 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 and...

Night at the Museum promotional image

Night at the Museum

Thursday, February 12, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, March 6, 2026 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 and...

Night at the Museum promotional image

Night at the Museum

Thursday, March 12, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...