The University of Iowa Libraries’ Main Library Gallery welcomes all learners.

Main Library Gallery Open Hours

Monday: 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.—8 p.m.
Wednesday:9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
Saturday: 1—5 p.m.
Sunday: 1—5 p.m.

The easiest way to access the Main Library Gallery is via the north entrance of the Main Library.

General Public

Guests from the general public and the university community are welcome to stop by the Main Library Gallery any time during open hours. Classes may occasionally be visiting the gallery.

The Main Library Gallery is an active educational space on campus. Classes occasionally meet here to learn about our exhibitions. Visitors are still welcome to enter and view the current exhibit during classroom activities.

Plan Your Class Visit

University instructors are encouraged to incorporate current or upcoming Main Library Gallery exhibits into their course schedules.

This could include, among other things:

  • Class visits as a group to view an exhibit
  • Assigning students to visit the Gallery outside of class
  • Scheduling a curator guided tour (as possible)
  • Using exhibit images, catalogs, literature, or videos as reference material
  • Adding an assignment from the Main Library Gallery to a course

Distance engagement options are available for online classes.

Student support for Gallery-related assignments is available.

Please book class visits at least 1 week in advance.
Contact us to include the Main Library Gallery in your course!

Available Assignments:

  • Reading an Object in the Main Library Gallery
  • From Gallery Object to the Stacks

View our subject guide to learn more about using one or both of these assignments with your students in the gallery, or with the gallery’s virtual exhibits.

 

A book is on display in the Main Library Gallery.

A Manifestation from Lieutenant Col. John Lilburn… [x-Collection, DA400.L5] from the Rising Together | Protest in Print exhibition, 2019.

About the Gallery

The Main Library Gallery at the University of Iowa Libraries is where collections come to life. Each semiannual exhibition welcomes visitors of all ages to discover new topics as they move through a dynamic, inviting gallery space. View rare objects in their context, uncovering the human connections between materials and the communities that created them. Experience the depth and variety of the Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives through up-close engagement with items selected to encourage and reward curiosity. All exhibits and their associated programming—including lectures, live performances, curator-guided tours, and more—are free and open to the public.

The Main Library Gallery is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.

Contact the Main Library Gallery

Accessibility

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to visit the Main Library Gallery. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to visit or participate in a program, please contact Sara J. Pinkham in advance using the contact information above. The gallery is equipped with an accessible door and is located on the first floor of the Main Library. Descriptive tours are available by request for visitors who are Blind or partially sighted. We look forward to welcoming you!