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Museum Basics:
The MacNiders:
The Collection:
Other: |
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When is the
Museum open? The MacNider Art Museum
is open all year round during regular museum hours: |
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How much does it cost to visit the Museum?
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How do I get
to the Museum? The MacNider Art Museum is located at 303 Second Street SE, Mason City, Iowa Coming from the: North: Turn off Interstate 35 onto the Clear Lake/Mason City exit and follow Hwy 122 into Mason City. Turn left onto Federal Avenue until 2nd Street SE, then turn right and follow 2nd Street SE for two blocks. The Museum will be on your right. South: Turn off Interstate 35 onto the Mason City/Charles City exit (Avenue of the Saints) and follow until the Downtown Mason City/Federal Avenue Exit. Drive north until 2nd Street SE and turn right. Follow 2nd Street SE for two blocks. The Museum will be on your right. West/East: Follow the Avenue of the Saints to the Downtown Mason City/Federal Avenue Exit. Drive north until 2nd Street SE, turn right and follow for two blocks. The Museum will be on your right. |
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It is difficult or impossible for me to navigate stairs. Will I have access to all of the Museum's galleries?
The Museum also has a wheelchair available
for use within the building. Inquire at the front desk if you
would like to use it during your visit. |
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What is the
Museum's mission statement? By entering into a partnership with our regional community, the MacNider Art Museum seeks to engage diverse audiences in the visual arts, and through them, sustain an environment in which American art is enjoyed, understood, and can thrive. Our commitment to professional museum standards
is a central part of our public trust and responsibility to current
and future generations. |
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Who is Charles H. MacNider?
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Did the MacNiders
ever live in the building? No. General and Mrs. Hanford MacNider purchased the museum building in 1964 with the intention of donating it to the City of Mason City, with the stipulation that it be staffed and maintained as an arts center. |
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How was the
building used before it became a museum? The building had several incarnations before it became a museum. Burr Keeler, President of the Mason City Brick and Tile Company built the original structure in 1920-21. In 1932, the house was sold to the Duffield family, who lived in it for a time. From 1948 to 1965, the Presentation Sisters of St. Joseph's Catholic Church occupied the residence. In 1966 the building was open to the public in its current capacity, as the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. |
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What kind
of art does the Museum display? The MacNider Art Museum acquires and displays a permanent collection of American art. The Collection includes paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, fused and blown glass, textiles, and puppets. There are also two temporary exhibition galleries, which display traveling exhibitions, solo artist shows, juried exhibitions, and highlights from the permanent collection. Please Visit the OFF THE WALL & Put on a Pedestal page to learn more about some of the artwork in our permanent collection. |
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Does the Museum display art by well-known artists? Yes. Some familiar artists represented in the MacNider Art Museum's collection include:
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Who is Bil
Baird and what was his connection with Mason City? Bil Baird was a master puppeteer who created many memorable television and film characters and was the predecessor of puppeteers like Jim Henson. Baird moved to Mason City as a teenager with his family, then returned to Mason City in his retirement. click here for more information. |
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Does the Museum
still have the Bil Baird puppet collection? Yes. The MacNider Art Museum has and displays a large collection of Bil Baird hand puppets and marionettes. |
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Does the Museum
sell any Bil Baird related items in the Museum Shop? Yes. The Museum Shop has postcards, posters, and a book featuring the work of Bil Baird. |
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Can I hold
an event at the Museum? Yes you can. The MacNider
Art Museum is host to a number of events each year including:
Please contact Emily Thomsen if you would like more information or to book your event. |
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How can I get a ceramics studio pass?
Please Note: No one under the age of eighteen may be in the ceramics studio alone. Children and youth under eighteen must be enrolled in a ceramics class or accompanied by a parent or childcare provider in order to use the studio. |
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