The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History has completed a thoughtful refresh of the Native Cultures exhibition wing in Iowa Hall, renewing both the design and interpretive approach to reflect contemporary museum practices and ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities.
Originally installed in the 1980s, the Iowa Hall gallery has long shared the story of Iowa’s first peoples—interpreted through archaeological evidence. Over time, changes in repatriation laws, museum standards, and cultural consultation reshaped the display. Some objects were repatriated or relocated, and the exhibit text was updated to reflect current scholarship and the voices of Native collaborators.
The recent refresh builds on that legacy of change. Newly donated collections—from the Boyd, Elliot, Kallam, and Louvar families—enhance visitors’ understanding of how early peoples lived on the land now called Iowa. These important additions, along with all related exhibit and collections care work, were made possible through donor support.
“This project gave us the opportunity to revisit a foundational part of our museum and present it with deeper respect, accuracy, and clarity,” said Pentacrest Museums Director, Liz Crooks.
The refresh was a major collaborative effort, involving the museum’s research collections team, exhibits preparator, and communications department, who together handled content development, design, editing, and installation.
Key to the project was consultation with tribal representatives and the Office of the State Archaeologist. “The process emphasized relationship-building and care for the cultural materials and the communities they represent,” said Pentacrest Museums Research Collections Assistant, Elizabeth Fouts.
Object-Forward Design
The updated display takes an object-focused approach, streamlining information while inviting visitors to connect directly with the artifacts themselves. Each section, Lifeways, Foodways, and Trade, organizes objects to highlight how Iowa’s earliest peoples lived, worked, and exchanged goods across the region. A new reading rail features images of the displayed objects alongside concise, accessible descriptions, making it easier for self-guided visitors to link what they read to what they see.
Continued Learning
This refresh also lays the groundwork for new educational opportunities. Updated docent-led tours, interpretive materials, and programs are in development to help visitors and learners of all ages engage with the exhibit and the histories it represents. “The curricular connections are vast and strong in Iowa Hall—for UI classes and K–12 alike,” said Pentacrest Museums Education & Engagement Coordinator Amanda Stout. Pentacrest Museums Visitor Services Coordinator Mary Alice Wait adds, “We’re ready to host and educate.”
The updated Native Cultures exhibit is now open to the public in Iowa Hall at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Admission is always free. Groups may book their guided or self-guided tours online: https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/visit/group-visits-tours
