Dubuque Museum of Art
Intimate museum showcasing 20th-century American art, with a strong Midwest regional focus and rotating exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission all day!
Dubuque Museum of Art
Best Time
Free admission all day!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Intimate museum showcasing 20th-century American art, with a strong Midwest regional focus and rotating exhibits.
"Small but impactful, with a wide variety of artwork and some really great stuff!"
🎯 Free Thursday Admission
Enjoy free entry every Thursday thanks to a donation! :ticket:
🖼️ Regional Art Focus
Appreciate the strong collection of Midwest artists. :paintbrush:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Midwest Masterpieces
Second Floor
Experience captivating 20th-century American art with a strong regional focus.
Smithsonian Collections
Rotating Exhibits
Discover traveling exhibits from the renowned Smithsonian Institution.
Baseball's Artistic Side
Temporary Exhibit Space
A thoughtful exhibition exploring the intersection of baseball and art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Discovering Dubuque's Artistic Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Thursday Admission
Enjoy free entry every Thursday thanks to a donation! :ticket:
🖼️ Regional Art Focus
Appreciate the strong collection of Midwest artists. :paintbrush:
⚾ Baseball Exhibit
Don't miss the unique and captivating baseball exhibition. :baseball:
🧒 Family-Friendly Fun
Look for craft days and cultural shows for kids. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Thursday Admission
Enjoy free entry every Thursday thanks to a donation! :ticket:
🖼️ Regional Art Focus
Appreciate the strong collection of Midwest artists. :paintbrush:
⚾ Baseball Exhibit
Don't miss the unique and captivating baseball exhibition. :baseball:
🧒 Family-Friendly Fun
Look for craft days and cultural shows for kids. :child:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is typically parking available in the vicinity of the museum. Check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability.
Depending on your starting point, many downtown Dubuque attractions are within walking distance. The museum is centrally located.
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.
Driving along the Mississippi River can offer scenic views. Consider routes that take you through the Driftless Area for beautiful landscapes.
🎫 🎫 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.
Yes, the museum offers free admission every Thursday.
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.
While free on Thursdays, for other days, it's advisable to check if advance ticket purchase is recommended or available, especially for special events.
Most museums strive to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum directly or check their website for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎨 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.
The museum frequently hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions, often featuring regional artists. It's best to check their website for current exhibition schedules.
Yes, the museum is family-friendly and often hosts cultural shows and craft project days for children.
As a smaller museum, a visit can range from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits.
While specific interactive exhibits vary, the museum aims to engage visitors with diverse art forms and sometimes offers family-friendly activities.
📸 📸 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.
The art itself, especially pieces with strong visual impact or unique regional themes, makes for great photos. Look for interesting textures and compositions.
Natural light can be best, so consider visiting during daylight hours. However, museum lighting is usually designed to showcase the art effectively.
The museum's location in downtown Dubuque might offer opportunities for exterior shots, especially if combined with other nearby landmarks.
Professional photography equipment, including tripods, is often restricted to protect the artwork and other visitors. Always inquire with the museum beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dubuque's Artistic Heritage
Beyond its permanent collection, the museum is known for its rotating temporary exhibitions. These often feature artists from the region, providing a platform for local talent and giving visitors a chance to discover new perspectives. Occasionally, the museum hosts collections from prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian, offering a unique opportunity to see national-level art in a smaller, more accessible venue.
For families, the museum is a welcoming space. It frequently organizes cultural shows and craft project days for children, making art accessible and fun for younger visitors. This commitment to community engagement, combined with its diverse artistic offerings, makes the Dubuque Museum of Art a worthwhile stop for art lovers and families alike.
Beyond the Canvas: Unique Dubuque Experiences
For those interested in local history and unique landmarks, Dubuque boasts other intriguing sites. The mention of a large Iowa grotto by Father Michael L. Goetz, who also created one in West Bend, points to spiritual and artistic heritage sites within the region. These less-common attractions add depth to a visit, showcasing the diverse cultural landscape.
Exploring Dubuque also means embracing its connection to the Mississippi River. The 'river museum' aspect, though not explicitly the museum of art, is a recurring theme in visitor interests, suggesting that the river's influence is a significant part of the Dubuque experience. Combining a visit to the art museum with explorations of these other unique local features can create a well-rounded and memorable trip.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit