Museum of Natural History | Iowa City

The Museum of Natural History at the University of Iowa in Iowa City is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1858. It has long served as both an educational resource and a cultural landmark, reflecting the university’s mission to connect science, history, and the public.

Historical Background
The museum was established during a period when natural history collections were central to scientific research and teaching. Its early exhibits consisted of geological specimens, fossils, and biological collections gathered by professors and students. Over time, the museum expanded its scope, incorporating anthropology, zoology, and environmental studies.

The museum is housed in Macbride Hall, a classical-style academic building completed in 1908, located on the University of Iowa Pentacrest. Named after Thomas Huston Macbride, a botanist and university president, the hall and its museum have been deeply tied to the university’s intellectual heritage.

Layout and Exhibits
The Museum of Natural History is arranged across multiple galleries within Macbride Hall, each focusing on different aspects of the natural world:

Mammal Hall: Features full-scale dioramas of North American habitats, including wolves, moose, bison, and pronghorns. These meticulously crafted displays provide immersive glimpses into ecosystems, combining mounted specimens with detailed background art.

Bird Hall: Showcases more than 1,000 bird specimens, making it one of the most comprehensive ornithological collections in the Midwest. The hall emphasizes biodiversity and avian adaptations.

Iowa Hall: Dedicated to the state’s natural and cultural history, this gallery traces 500 million years of Iowa’s past-from ancient seas and Ice Age megafauna to Native American heritage and pioneer settlement. Highlights include a replica of a giant ground sloth and displays of fossils unique to the region.

Diversity of Life Exhibit: A modern addition that highlights evolutionary processes, ecological relationships, and global biodiversity.

Anthropology Collections: Though smaller in scale, these materials link natural history with human history, offering insight into cultural development and archaeology.

Educational and Community Role
As a university museum, its mission blends academic research with public education. Key functions include:

Teaching Resource: Faculty integrate the museum’s collections into coursework across disciplines, from biology to anthropology.

Public Outreach: The museum welcomes school groups, families, and visitors, providing hands-on educational programs and guided tours.

Research: Its collections remain valuable for scientific study, supporting investigations into ecology, paleontology, and environmental history.

Community Events: Regular lectures, workshops, and family days engage the wider community in science and cultural learning.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance
The museum symbolizes Iowa City’s role as a center of learning and reflects the university’s deep connection to natural sciences. It preserves the heritage of 19th-century natural history museums while continually adapting to modern educational needs. Its dioramas, many built in the early 20th century, stand as works of art as well as scientific tools, representing both historical craftsmanship and scientific communication.

Modern Identity
Today, the Museum of Natural History remains a beloved institution on campus and in the community. It is valued as both a place of nostalgia, where generations of Iowans recall school visits and family trips, and a living educational resource, where natural science and cultural history are interpreted for new audiences. Its enduring role on the Pentacrest makes it not only an academic treasure but also a civic landmark in Iowa City.