Public Events Calendar

Beth Lipman: Middle of the Story \n\nLyle & Nancy Campbell Gallery, through February 13, 2026\n\nAn exhibition of her studio work to celebrate new public art sculpture, Hive Mind, installed in April 2025. \n\n \n\nTerra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection \n\nNeva M. Petersen Gallery, January 12, 2026 – December 18, 2026\n\nHighlighting the innovative techniques for caring for public art installations in terra cotta, incorporating the original artist intent with state of the art scanning and replication technology that can be found right here on Iowa State's campus.\n\n \n\nForms of Remembrance: The Unknown Political Prisoner \n\nReiman Gallery, through July 24, 2026\n\nThis exhibition examines the history and legacy of Christian Petersen's monuments to the fallen, centering on his Unknown Political Prisoner maquette and related drawings and sculptures. Petersen's entry was submitted to the 1952 international competition organized by the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, which sought to promote abstract sculpture as a symbol of democratic values and to commemorate those who had been imprisoned or killed in the struggle for human freedom. Though Petersen was not a pacifist—firmly supporting the American war efforts in both World War I and World War II—his later work reveals a profound shift. Influenced by an increasing spiritual awareness, he turned from patriotic celebration to the somber realities of war, emphasizing loss, mourning, and the enduring grief of those left behind. In the postwar years, Petersen developed numerous proposals for war memorials that honored and gave form to collective remembrance, though none were realized in his lifetime. This exhibition situates The Unknown Political Prisoner within that broader arc of his artistic development and within twentieth century American art, while also commemorating the installation of a newly carved version of the sculpture in the Anderson Sculpture Garden, created through a replication process by master stone carver Nicolas Fairplay.\n

The Brunnier Art Museum is closed during the winter break (December 20 - January 19) to change out its galleries.

Look forward to two new exhibitions that you won't want to miss! Subscribe to our mailing list for all the info.

Tip: Visit the Christian Petersen Art Museum January 12-16 to get some museum time before the spring semester starts!

Cue the spotlight! 🎭🎨 C.Y. Stephens Auditorium isn&#39\;t just for concerts and Broadway shows —it&#39\;s home to stunning visual art, too! Join University Museums for a free guided tour to discover its creative treasures, including a special look at the shimmering Silver Code stage curtain. Experience the artistry that unfolds long before the curtain rises and learn how visual and performing arts take center stage within this iconic architectural landmark. Meet in CY Stephens Lobby. \n\nThis tour will take place entirely indoors.\n\nArt Walks are a regular event series highlighting the University Museums' Art on Campus Collection, offering audiences the opportunity to explore the breadth of public art across Iowa State University&#39\;s campus. Led by University Museums staff or docents, these guided tours are free and open to the public. For parking and accessibility information, please visit the University Museums website.\n

Iowa State Track and Field vs Bill Bergan Classic
https://cyclones.com/calendar.aspx?game_id=18536&sport_id=6

The Christian Petersen Art Museum is opening a week before the semester begins to give visitors an early opportunity to enjoy the galleries before the busy start of classes. Explore the peaceful winter landscape of the Anderson Sculpture Garden, then wander inside the Christian Petersen Art Museum for a cozy, art-filled retreat. Free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.\n