Welcome to the Museum. 

Old Capitol; State Historical Society of Iowa photo

The Old Capitol remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the state of Iowa.  In the many years since the cornerstone was laid, the building has served state legislatures, countless university uses, and has undergone multiple additions and renovations, even surviving a major fire in 2001. Now a National Historic Landmark, the Old Capitol Museum welcomes you to explore.

Learn more about our history

Calendar

Exhibition Spotlight - Into Light: Recovery & Employment promotional image

Exhibition Spotlight - Into Light: Recovery & Employment

Friday, September 19, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
In conjunction with the Into Light Project's Iowa exhibition Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, currently on display at the Old Capitol Museum, our program series Exhibition Spotlight returns with two very special webinars.First, we'll reflect on how employment, healthcare, and personal resilience intersect to support recovery and honor the lives touched by addiction with panelists:💡 Amanda Eleazer, Recovery Coach with the University of Iowa’s Addiction & Recovery Collaborative💡 Ann...

The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums (Old Capitol Museum & The UI Museum of Natural History) serve to strengthen the vital role of both Museums in the educational, research, and engagement missions of the University, enhancing the campus-wide focus on cultural and environmental diversity. 

UI Campus graphic illustration