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Dubuque Museum of Art

4.6
·143 reviews·Dubuque, United States

Intimate museum showcasing 20th-century American art, with a strong Midwest regional focus and rotating exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursdays

Free admission all day!

CrowdMedium
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Outside and inside.

Dubuque Museum of Art

Best Time

Thursdays

Free admission all day!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Intimate museum showcasing 20th-century American art, with a strong Midwest regional focus and rotating exhibits.

4.6
(143 reviews)

"Small but impactful, with a wide variety of artwork and some really great stuff!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Thursday Admission

Enjoy free entry every Thursday thanks to a donation! 🎟️

🖼️ Regional Art Focus

Appreciate the strong collection of Midwest artists. 🖌️

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 143 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Midwest Masterpieces

Midwest Masterpieces

Second Floor

Experience captivating 20th-century American art with a strong regional focus.

Smithsonian Collections

Smithsonian Collections

Rotating Exhibits

Discover traveling exhibits from the renowned Smithsonian Institution.

Baseball's Artistic Side

Baseball's Artistic Side

Temporary Exhibit Space

A thoughtful exhibition exploring the intersection of baseball and art.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Beat the crowds by visiting on Thursdays for free admission, thanks to a generous donation. Check for special events like craft days for kids, making it a great family outing.

Discovering Dubuque's Artistic Heart

This intimate museum focuses on 20th-century American art, especially from the Midwest. Don't miss the chance to see works by regional artists and potentially Smithsonian collections.

Best Times

When
Thursdays
Why
Free admission all day!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Decided to do a little #IowaTourism today… #dubuque #fenelonplaceelevator #shottower #theiowainvestigator #localhistory
@jttheiowainvestigator
3.2K likes • 44.6K views

🎯 Free Thursday Admission

Enjoy free entry every Thursday thanks to a donation! 🎟️

🖼️ Regional Art Focus

Appreciate the strong collection of Midwest artists. 🖌️

Quedo en el olvido #debuqueiowa #latinos #iowa #virgencita #virgenmaria
@cecilia.castellanos
1.2K likes • 34.6K views
University of Dubuque Location📍: Dubuque, IA Student Body👥: 2,190 💬 Follow and comment if you want your university posted! 📲 Repost if you are a Dubuque Spartan! #dubuque #iowa #universityofdubuque #university #daily #fyp #foryou
@randomuniversitiesdaily
1K likes • 16.7K views

⚾ Baseball Exhibit

Don't miss the unique and captivating baseball exhibition. ⚾

🧒 Family-Friendly Fun

Look for craft days and cultural shows for kids. :child:

The Fenton Place elevator in Dubuque is a quirky little hidden gem in the best possible way. Where else can you take a ride on a pice of history for a few bucks? This charming little attraction is a must do if you are traveling through Dubuque #hiddengem #dubuque #iowa #History #midwest #roadtrip #FamilyFun
@mamamamamamidwest
967 likes • 17.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Thursday Admission

Enjoy free entry every Thursday thanks to a donation! 🎟️

🖼️ Regional Art Focus

Appreciate the strong collection of Midwest artists. 🖌️

⚾ Baseball Exhibit

Don't miss the unique and captivating baseball exhibition. ⚾

🧒 Family-Friendly Fun

Look for craft days and cultural shows for kids. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(143 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Dubuque Museum of Art to be a small but impactful institution, particularly praising its thoughtful exhibitions and focus on Midwest artists. Many appreciate the free admission on Thursdays and the family-friendly atmosphere with activities for children. While small, the museum offers a diverse range of art that captivates attendees.

"A small museum but very representative. We enjoy the painting in the second floor, the expression of the artist in the eyes of each creation capture my attention.
The baseball exhibition was thoughtful and the messages written captive us.
It worth it! I loved Dubuque…"

Jenn James

"Small but impactful. There were 2 Smithsonian collections on display when we visited. We also got in free for the winters farmers market. Every Thursday in 2019 entrance to the exhibits is free due to a donation given to the museum. The museum is family friendly with new exhibits, cultural shows, and craft project days for children."

Alexandra

"The temporary exhibitions are always top-notch and usually feature artists from the region. The permanent collection has some truly great pieces by Grant Wood, Winslow Homer, Ellen Wagener, and Edward Curtis. The museum is planning a new facility and currently has a cool scale model of Dubuque on display in the lobby."

Jason Neises

What People Like

Impactful art collections
Midwest artist focus
Free Thursday admission

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dubuque Museum of Art is located in downtown Dubuque, Iowa. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available within the city. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available in the vicinity of the museum. Check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability. Reddit

Depending on your starting point, many downtown Dubuque attractions are within walking distance. The museum is centrally located. Reddit

Dubuque is accessible by car via major highways. The nearest major airport is Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ), though larger airports like Quad City International Airport (MLI) or Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) are a few hours' drive away. TikTok

Driving along the Mississippi River can offer scenic views. Consider routes that take you through the Driftless Area for beautiful landscapes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is often free on Thursdays due to a donation. Check the museum's official website for current admission fees and any special pricing. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers free admission every Thursday. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the Dubuque Museum of Art's official website for the most up-to-date information on days and times. Reddit

While free on Thursdays, for other days, it's advisable to check if advance ticket purchase is recommended or available, especially for special events. Reddit

Most museums strive to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum directly or check their website for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

The museum features 20th-century American art, with a special emphasis on artists from the Midwest. You'll also find rotating exhibits, sometimes including Smithsonian collections. Reddit

The museum frequently hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions, often featuring regional artists. It's best to check their website for current exhibition schedules. Reddit

Yes, the museum is family-friendly and often hosts cultural shows and craft project days for children. Reddit

As a smaller museum, a visit can range from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits. Reddit

While specific interactive exhibits vary, the museum aims to engage visitors with diverse art forms and sometimes offers family-friendly activities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for signage or ask museum staff. TikTok

The art itself, especially pieces with strong visual impact or unique regional themes, makes for great photos. Look for interesting textures and compositions. TikTok

Natural light can be best, so consider visiting during daylight hours. However, museum lighting is usually designed to showcase the art effectively. TikTok

The museum's location in downtown Dubuque might offer opportunities for exterior shots, especially if combined with other nearby landmarks. TikTok

Professional photography equipment, including tripods, is often restricted to protect the artwork and other visitors. Always inquire with the museum beforehand. TikTok

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