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:

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, June 6, 2025 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
NOTE: The April 4th occurrence in this series will move to the Old Capitol Museum for a very special Art & Write Night!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...
Read on the Rug promotional image

Read on the Rug

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 10:30am to 11:00am
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Read on the Rug is back with monthly offerings! Join us on the second Wednesday of each month in Iowa Hall at the UI Museum of Natural History for Read on the Rug. Ideal for families with kiddos aged 2-5, all are welcome to this free educational program. This program series was designed with our youngest museum lovers in mind. Come along as we build community and inspire a sense of wonder, curiosity, and respect for our natural and cultural worlds with stories, sing-alongs, and more in one of...