The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is celebrating its first anniversary by reflecting on the past 12 months and sharing a vision for what guests can expect from another exciting year of world-class art and education.

“We are humbled and honored by the support the Stanley Museum of Art received in its first year,” says Lauren Lessing, director of the UI Stanley Museum of Art. “We were immediately embraced by the community and the students that are at the heart of everything we do. The coming year holds a host of exciting new programs and exhibitions for all to experience. We’re just getting started, and we are going to continue to grow.” 

Since opening on Aug. 26, 2022, the Stanley has welcomed more than 65,000 visitors and hosted more than 200 university courses and more than 4,000 K-12 students and educators.  

The museum is a vibrant symbol of continuing education and intellectual growth, Lessing says, adding programs and diversifying its collections during its first 365 days. The museum is building upon its influential first year by expanding its collection of art, delving further into research and publication, and bringing the community together in exciting ways.

Scroll through the gallery below to sample some of the past year’s achievements and peek at what is to come in Year 2 at the UI Stanley Museum of Art.