The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

08/10/2026

Friendly reminder that applications are now open for the Pentacrest Museums Student Advisory Board (SAB). Museum events, new besties, professional development, resume builder...SAB is the best. We have several spots open and are ready for you to join the board! https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/uipm-student-advisory-board

08/07/2026

August's Art & Write Night is TONIGHT! Make our museum your muse.

Supplies, prompts, and inspo provided 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Bird and Mammal Halls, 3rd Floor, Museum of Natural History, Macbride Hall. We'll share what we make toward the end of the evening. Maybe you'll make something you'd like to loan for display in our Community Art Gallery?

08/03/2026

⚽ NEW EXHIBIT COMING SOON

Open September 9 - November 21, The Saturday Man: At the Edge of the Game features six decades of photography by acclaimed photographer Peter Robinson, exploring how football (soccer) connects sport, identity, community, and culture around the world.

Instructors: Start planning your class visit now to KICK OFF your fall semester with a museum visit 😉

Learn more about the exhibition and artist, explore curricular connections and teaching resources, and schedule your visit here: https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/saturday-man

07/31/2026

Nifty (thrifty) news, folks! Due to popular interest, our temporary exhibition, Thrift Style, has been extended through October 7, 2026 at the Old Capitol Museum.

Before "thrifting" became a trend, it was a necessity. Thrift Style explores how families during the Great Depression and World War II transformed everyday feed sacks into dresses, aprons, quilts, toys, and other household essentials. Through objects, the exhibition highlights remarkable creativity, resourcefulness, and one of America's earliest examples of upcycling which allowed homelife to drive economic buying power.

Admission is always free, making it the perfect opportunity to visit before the exhibition closes. Instructors can work with our staff to identify meaningful curricular connections and create engaging learning experiences in the gallery.

Learn more: https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/thrift-style

1. Make and Mend for Victory Book, no. S-10; c. 1942; paper and ink; 16 x 9
2. Flour Sack for Eagle Milling Co, Edmond, OK; c. 1940; feed sack cotton; 11 x 7
3. Feed Sack; c. 1940; feed sack cotton; 37 1/2 x 22
4. Infant Bonnet; c. 1938; feed sack cotton, purchased organdy trim, rick rack; 7 3/4 x 8 3/4
5. Bag of Tricks for Home Sewing; 1945; paper and ink; 8 1/4 x 5 1/2

All objects displayed courtesy of Kansas State University Historic Costume and Textile Museum

Breadcrumb Home Thrift Style Old Capitol MuseumApril 6 - August 11, 2026Before “thrifting” was a trend, it was a necessity.Thrift Style takes you back to a time when creativity mattered more than convenience and nothing went to waste. This exhibition explores how everyday feed sacks were transfo...

07/20/2026

Calling all collectors!

Submissions are now OPEN for the My Collections exhibit series at the Museum of Natural History, and we want YOU to be a part of it. My Collections is an ongoing exhibition program featuring personal collections from members of the community.

From butter knives to box purses, museums aren't the only ones with collections. Submit your collection today: https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/form/my-collections-submission-form

07/18/2026

STUDENTS: Applications are now open for the Pentacrest Museums Student Advisory Board!

Join a team of current UI students who help connect campus with the Pentacrest Museums by shaping programs, sharing student perspectives, and creating engaging opportunities for the university community.

This board is behind some of your favorite campus and community events, including Spooky Night at the Museums, Postcards on the Pentacrest, Trivia Night, marching in the Homecoming Parade, Wingspan in the galleries, Silent Disco, Art & Write Night support, and more.

As a board member, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at museum work, build leadership and professional skills, build your resume, collaborate with museum staff, and make lasting friendships along the way.

Ready to get involved? Learn more and apply here: https://pentacrestmuseums.uiowa.edu/uipm-student-advisory-board

07/10/2026

Reminder: Tomorrow is the 6th Annual BioBlitz and all are welcome! Find the Museum of Natural History for fANTastic activities and giveaways! 🐜

📅 Saturday, July 11
⏰ 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
📍 Ashton Prairie, 3310 Hawkeye Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52246

07/09/2026

Join us at the Museum of Natural History tomorrow for some pollinator-themed fun at Read on the Rug! We'll have stories, poems, sing-a-longs, dances, and more — what could BEE better? 🐝 📚

⏰ 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
📍 University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, Iowa Hall
🆓 Free and open to the public

07/06/2026

The 6th Annual BioBlitz is happening at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory this coming Saturday, July 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and we're buzzing with excitement! Come find the Museum of Natural History's table at the event for fun activities and giveaways.

Data collected at the BioBlitz supports the study of changes in the Ashton Prairie over time. Registration to participate in the BioBlitz is free but required. Sign up at the link in bio. 🔎 🐞 🐛

07/04/2026

Fireworks are coming to the Pentacrest TONIGHT, July 4, 9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Look above the Old Capitol Museum to catch the colorful show that's gonna leave you goin' "Oh, oh, oh" as they shoot across the sky-y-y. 🎆 🎵 Check out these snaps from year's past.

Reminder: The Pentacrest Museums will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. today.