Welcome to the Pentacrest Museums

The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums feature both permanent and changing exhibits, educational programming, historic research collections care, and special events at the Old Capitol Museum and the Museum of Natural History. 

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

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Museum of Natural History

University of Iowa
Old Capitol Museum

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Old Cap

MISSION

We 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.

UIPM upcoming events:

Read on the Rug promotional image

Read on the Rug

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:30am to 11:00am
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
A program designed with our youngest museum lovers in mind. Read on the Rug builds community for families and inspires a sense of wonder, curiosity, and respect for our natural and cultural worlds with stories, sing-alongs, and more.
Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo promotional image

Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo

Sunday, March 16, 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...