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State Historical Museum of Iowa

Physical Location

Location Address

600 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone(s)

Museum Information Desk

515-281-5111

Hours

Closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
All in Central Time Zone
Atrium of the State Historical Building with two planes hanging from the ceiling

The State Historical Museum of Iowa is in the State Historical Building of Iowa, just west of the State Capitol in Des Moines. The building also houses one of two State Historical Society of Iowa Research Centers, the State Historical Library and Archives.

At the museum, you’ll discover Iowa’s rich heritage through a variety of exhibitions, collections, tours, student field trips, and unique programs throughout the year.

  • Learn about life in Iowa before it became a state and the many changes that took place when settlers arrived.
  • Explore Iowa’s rich natural resources and the balance between using and preserving them.
  • See how Iowans have impacted government, policies, issues and procedures over the years.
  • Discover what inspired more than 76,000 Iowans to fight for the Union during the Civil War and the role they played in the bloodiest chapter of U.S. history.
  • Explore Iowa’s legacy on the silver screen from the early 1900s to today.
  • Discover Iowa’s bicycling history, including the colorful story of RAGBRAI, the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.

Stop by the information desk on the first floor for a map, children’s activities and further details about exhibits and programs.

Admission

Admission to the museum and research center is free.

Accessibility

The Accessibility & Pre-Visit Information provides detailed information to help prepare for your visit to the State Historical Building.

Food & Drink

No food or drink is allowed in the exhibit galleries or research center.

Parking

Free parking is available in the garage across the street, at the northwest corner of East Grand and Pennsylvania avenues. Metered street parking is also available.

Collection

The museum houses more than 80,000 artifacts, of which about 1,500 objects are on display at any given time. More objects from the collection are on display in the State Capitol and on loan to other museums in Iowa.

  • Explore the Online Collection Catalog
  • Donate Materials to the Museum

Programs & Workshops

The State Historical Society of Iowa provides a variety of programs for students, lifelong learners and various groups at the museum, online, and at other venues statewide. These include activities with Goldie’s Kids Club, the museum’s popular program for children and families.

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Get Directions

Physical Location

Location Address

600 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone(s)

Museum Information Desk

515-281-5111

Hours

Closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
All in Central Time Zone

Secondary Navigation Menu

  • Visit (parent section)
    • State Historical Museum of Iowa (parent section)
      • Accessibility & Pre-Visit Info (parent section)
        • Vending Menus (parent section)
          • Beverage Machine
          • Snack Machine
      • Exhibits (parent section)
        • Civics in Action
        • Delicate Balance
        • Hands-On History
        • Hollywood in the Heartland
        • Iowa and the Civil War
        • Iowa History 101
        • Iowa’s People & Places
        • Mammoth: Witness to Change
        • Riding Through History
        • USS Iowa Silver Service (parent section)
          • Silver Service Exhibit Text
        • Visible Vault
        • You Gotta Know the Territory
      • Traveling Exhibits (parent section)
        • Mobile Museum
        • World War I Honor Roll
      • Field Trips & Group Visits (parent section)
        • Adult Group Visits
        • Museum Manners
      • Virtual Experiences
    • Historic Sites (parent section)
      • Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin
      • American Gothic House
      • Blood Run National Historic Landmark
      • Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop
      • Montauk Historic Site (parent section)
        • Accessibility & Site Visit Information
      • Plum Grove Historic Home
      • Toolesboro Mounds National Historic Landmark
    • State Historical Markers
    • Research Centers (parent section)
      • Interlibrary Loan
      • State Historical Building Accessibility & Pre-Visit Information
      • Centennial Building Accessibility & Pre-Visit Information
      • Copy & Image Requests
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