University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art

06/20/2026

We are thrilled to announce that "The Black Gold Tapestry" has been extended through July 12, 2026 by popular demand, offering visitors a few more weeks to experience this extraordinary visual narrative in our galleries.

Since its opening, this monumental 220-foot hand-embroidered tapestry by artist Sandra Sawatzky has served as a catalyst for community dialogue and creative reflection. From prompting essential conversations about resource dependencies to reviving an appreciation for the craft of hand embroidery, "The Black Gold Tapestry" continues to educate and inspire visitors from across the campus, community, and beyond.

Whether you are returning for a closer look or planning your very first visit, we invite you to join us over the next few weeks to experience this unforgettable show.

Plan your visit or find guided audio resources via our digital guide through the links in the comments.

06/17/2026

🎓 A huge congratulations to our 2026 University of Iowa Graduates and Gallery Hosts, Amelia Enskat and Shaun Mallonga

They reflected on their time at the Stanley Museum of Art as Gallery Hosts, from hands-on professional development opportunities to invaluable collaborations with contemporary artists, and most importantly, the community they built along the way.

Students like Amelia and Shaun are vital to the museum's daily operations and contribute to enhanced visitor experience and community engagement.

Thank you for your hard work, creativity, and dedication. We can't wait to see what you do next in the art and museum world! 💛🖤

🔗 Read the full blog post through the link in the comments below to learn more about Amelia and Shaun's student experiences at the Stanley.

06/16/2026

Work at the Stanley!

The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is hiring an experienced Administrative Services Coordinator to provide administrative support to the Museum director and staff, including clerical, office administration, and communications support and information management.

Apply now through the link in the comments below 🔗

06/13/2026

In memory of David Hockney (1937—2026)

Regarded as one of the most prolific British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Hockney was best known for his paintings of swimming pools that captured a distinctive California aesthetic. The Stanley Museum of Art is proud to house works by the influential artist in its collection, including his 1964 print, "Water Pouring into Swimming Pool, Santa Monica."

Hockney's connection to our community runs even deeper. In the summer of 1964, he was invited to teach at the University of Iowa. He spent six weeks in Iowa City, completing four paintings during his residency. His time in the Midwest is beautifully captured in his stylized, vibrant depiction of the local landscape, "Iowa, 1964."

We join the global art community in mourning a true visionary whose work changed how we see the world.

Captions:

David Hockney, "Water Pouring into Swimming Pool, Santa Monica," 1964. Lithograph, 20 x 26 in. The Alden Lowell Doud Collection. 1997.135. University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art.

David Hockney, "Iowa, 1964." Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 60 in. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. © David Hockney

06/10/2026

Explore these must-see exhibitions at the Stanley that will expand your horizons.

From hand-woven histories to the ethics of collecting, the latest exhibitions at the Stanley invite us into critical conversations. Explore cross-cultural experiences, regional and gender identities, and behind-the-scenes conservation efforts through these five powerful showcases.

Admission to the Stanley Museum of Art is always free. We are open late on Thursday evenings. Plan your visit today through the link in the comments below. 👇

06/02/2026

Some works of art are designed to be ephemeral. These are the final weeks to enjoy Jiha Moon's mural, "One An Another," in the museum lobby.

Moon created this dynamic on-site installation during the summer of 2024 as visitors looked on. Using a variety of painting, drawing, and collage techniques, "One and Other" features a rich tapestry of cultural symbols, playful imagery, and ceramic masks.

Swipe through to look back at Moon and her team in action, and experience the work in person one last time. "One An Another" is on view through June 14, 2026. Plan your visit to the Stanley today, admission is always free! ✨

05/28/2026

The colors of Wycliffe Mundopa’s piece wash over the observer and then the figures come into focus. Women interacting with each other and the world, boldly taking up space across the large canvas.

In contrast, the black and white photographs from this April 1940 “Everyday Photography” magazine are focused on staging the shot and almost lose the women as props into the background.

The large brush strokes that Mundopa uses to create his tableau give that human touch to each person and animal in the work, even when the minute details are not available. It feels like there is more room for the viewer to be part of these women’s inner circle.

Meanwhile, the photographs bring details into focus for the viewer but feel too much like people playing at life.

Mundopa though titled his work “Based on Almost Life Part 2.” So perhaps today’s pairing rings with the possibilities of life if not its reality.

05/24/2026