The Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa, truly stands out, offering a really special look at art that could very well change how you see things. This place, nestled right in downtown Davenport, gives you a chance to experience and enjoy visual arts in a way that feels both grand and, you know, very welcoming. It's a spot where beautiful exhibits, interesting sculptures, and so many different kinds of paintings come together, making it a truly memorable visit for anyone who steps inside. People often say it's one of the better things to do in Davenport, and that's saying something for a town with lots to offer.
This major art museum, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, holds an encyclopedic collection of works from around the world. It’s known for its truly unique holdings, including a remarkable selection of Haitian, Colonial Mexican, and Midwestern art, too it's almost. You can explore a rich collection of art spanning centuries and continents here, which is pretty amazing for a regional art museum, in a way.
Whether you are looking to see permanent displays or check out the latest traveling exhibitions, the Figge offers a lot. There are art studios, an auditorium, a library, and a museum store, so it's more than just galleries. You can, you know, browse the permanent holdings, seeing highlights and featured collections, or even search by artists, medium, place, or color, which is a neat way to explore the art.
Table of Contents
- A Look at the Museum's Roots
- Architectural Beauty by the River
- A Diverse and Impressive Collection
- Visitor Information and Experience
- Community and Education at Its Heart
- The Figge's Place in the Community
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Figge Art Museum
A Look at the Museum's Roots
The Figge Art Museum has a long and interesting past, you know. It started as the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery way back in 1925. This really got going because of a generous gift of 334 artworks from a former mayor, Charles A., which is pretty cool. Over time, it grew and became known as the Davenport Museum, so it's had a few names. This place has been serving the public for a long while, promoting the appreciation and creation of visual art, basically bringing art and people together, which is what they say.
Architectural Beauty by the River
The building itself is quite a sight, honestly. It's a striking glass structure that opened its doors in 2005. Situated right along the Mississippi River, it offers a really pleasant setting, which is rather nice. This modern architectural marvel makes the most of its riverfront spot, allowing natural light to fill the spaces, making the art truly shine. It's a modern art museum, but the building itself feels like a piece of art, too it's almost.
A Diverse and Impressive Collection
With a collection of over 4,000 pieces, the Figge Art Museum is pretty impressive. You can find works by famous artists like Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O'Keeffe here, which is quite something. The museum really makes an effort to show a wide range of art, from classic works to modern talents, and it also pays tribute to different cultures. This means there's always something new to see and explore, in a way.
The Haitian Art Collection
One of the most notable parts of the Figge's collection is its Haitian art. It's actually one of the nation's largest collections of Haitian art, which is a big deal. This collection offers a deep look into the vibrant and rich artistic traditions of Haiti. Visitors can truly get a sense of the history and stories told through these pieces, which are, you know, very unique and expressive.
Colonial Mexican Art
The museum also has a strong focus on Colonial Mexican art. This part of the collection gives a window into a significant period of art history, showing how different cultures blended and expressed themselves. These works often tell stories of faith, daily life, and the mixing of traditions, offering a really fascinating perspective, so it's rather compelling.
Midwestern Masterpieces, Including Grant Wood
As a regional art museum in Iowa, the Figge naturally has a strong collection of Midwestern art. This includes works by Iowa native Grant Wood, who is known for his painting “American Gothic,” among other beautiful creations. The Figge is the official home for the Grant Wood collection and archive, which is pretty special. This archive holds 249 pieces of art and memorabilia collected by his sister, Nan, over a long period. There's even a Grant Wood digital collection dedicated in memory of the late Michelle Robinson, Ph., which is a nice touch.
The John Deere Art Collection
Recently, the museum announced a new gallery featuring works from the John Deere Art Collection, too it's almost. This addition brings another interesting dimension to the museum's already diverse holdings. It shows how the Figge continues to grow and offer new experiences to its visitors, which is something to appreciate, you know.
Visitor Information and Experience
Visiting the Figge Art Museum is a straightforward and enjoyable experience, honestly. It's located at 225 West Second Street in Davenport, Iowa. You can reach the museum by phone at 563.326.7804 for general inquiries, or the events office at 563.345.6657, which is helpful. This place is classed as an art museum and comes under the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Midwest region, which shows its standing.
Planning Your Visit
Before you go, you can learn about admission prices, free days, and the photography policy. The museum hours and cafe hours are also available, which is pretty convenient. For instance, in July, thanks to the generous support of Cal and Jill Werner, the Figge Art Museum became one of the coolest destinations in the region, offering free admission throughout the month, which was a great opportunity for many, you know.
What to Expect Inside
Inside, you'll find an exciting array of continually rotating and new exhibitions. The museum also offers art classes and public programming, featuring artists, curators, scholars, performers, activities, and films. This means there's always something fresh happening, so it's not just about seeing static displays. You might even join artist John Sanderson for a virtual program, like the one featuring his artwork "Cattle Drive, Carbon County, Wyoming," which was on display in the "Magnetic West" exhibit, which is pretty neat.
Community and Education at Its Heart
The Figge Art Museum is more than just a place to see art; it's a center for art education and community involvement. It’s the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines, which is a significant role. The museum's mission is to actively serve the public by promoting the appreciation and creation of visual art, so they really mean it when they say they bring art and people together, you know.
They offer various ways to engage, from hands-on art studios to lectures and workshops. Becoming a member can give you a cultural experience unlike any other in the area, too it's almost. This commitment to education and public access makes the Figge a truly valuable resource for the Quad Cities and beyond, which is pretty clear.
The Figge's Place in the Community
The Figge Art Museum is a true gem in the Quad Cities, a place that brings beauty and culture to the area. It has 16,250 likes and 288 people talking about it, with 25,420 having been there, which shows its popularity. The museum's presence helps to enrich the cultural fabric of Davenport, Iowa, and the wider region. It offers a bright spot and a place for reflection and inspiration, even as the center of Davenport, located on the banks of the Mississippi on Iowa’s eastern border, faces its own challenges, which is something to consider.
It's a place where you can explore Iowa's scenic and historic attractions, as travel Iowa's videos and tips suggest, too it's almost. The museum is currently celebrating its 100th year in a very special way, amidst changes over the past few months. The Figge Art Museum is welcoming four new exhibits, all to be enjoyed with free admission throughout July, as was the case recently, which is pretty exciting. Learn more about art museums on our site, and link to this page https://www.figgeartmuseum.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Figge Art Museum
People often have questions about visiting the Figge Art Museum. Here are some common ones that might help you plan your visit, you know.
What types of art can I expect to see at the Figge Art Museum?
You can expect to see a wide range of art, honestly, from different periods and places. The museum is especially known for its Haitian, Colonial Mexican, and Midwestern art. You'll also find works by famous American artists like Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O'Keeffe, among many others, which is pretty neat. They have over 4,000 pieces in their collection, so there's a lot to take in.
Is the Figge Art Museum suitable for families and children?
Yes, it's very suitable for families and children, too it's almost. The museum offers art studios and various public programs that are designed to engage visitors of all ages. They often have activities and events that make art accessible and fun for younger audiences, which is great for a family outing. It’s a place where everyone can find something to enjoy and learn, in a way.
Are there any special events or free admission days at the Figge Art Museum?
The Figge Art Museum frequently hosts special events, continually rotating exhibitions, and public programming. They sometimes offer free admission days, like they did throughout July recently to celebrate their 100th year. It's a good idea to check their official website or call them for the most current information on admission prices, free days, and upcoming events, you know, to plan your visit well.
