Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art stands as a cornerstone of cultural life in Iowa, with a history that reaches back to the late 19th century. Inspired by the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a group of Cedar Rapids community leaders formed an art club in 1895. Their passion for art quickly grew into something larger, and by 1905 the club became the Cedar Rapids Art Association, acquiring its first painting the following year. Among its most active early members were Grant Wood and Marvin Cone, artists who would leave an enduring mark on American art history.

Throughout the 20th century, the institution evolved alongside the city. From its days in the Carnegie Library to its relocation in the Torch Press Building, the Association expanded its programming, hosting exhibitions, lectures, and events that brought art to the community. By the 1980s, the organization had transformed into the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, complete with a major renovation and expansion of the original Carnegie building. The new museum, designed by Charles W. Moore and Centerbrook Architects, officially opened in 1989, cementing its place as a leading cultural institution in the region.

Today, the museum is renowned for its strong connection to Grant Wood, one of America’s most celebrated artists. Visitors can explore his former studio, famously known as 5 Turner Alley, where he lived and worked from 1924 to 1935. It was here that Wood created his iconic American Gothic, a painting that captured the essence of rural America and became one of the most recognizable works in the nation’s artistic canon.

With its extensive collections, engaging exhibitions, and dedication to preserving the legacy of regional and national artists, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art continues to inspire creativity, foster education, and celebrate the enduring power of art.