Trip ideas while visiting Ames in Iowa
The Brunnier Art Museum is Iowa’s only accredited university museum dedicated exclusively to decorative arts, housed within the Iowa State Center on the Iowa State University campus. Established in 1975 through a generous donation from Henry J. Brunnier and his wife Ann Brunnier, the museum showcases an extensive collection of ceramics, glass, silver, furniture, and textiles spanning the 18th through 20th centuries.
The permanent galleries feature fine porcelain figurines, ornate vases, and intricate glasswork, while rotating temporary exhibitions highlight contemporary artists and thematic explorations of decorative arts traditions. Visitors can also explore the museum’s notable collection of Asian ceramics, including delicate Chinese porcelain and Japanese stoneware. The museum offers curator-led tours that provide deep insight into current exhibitions and the stories behind the collection.
Throughout the year, the Brunnier hosts hands-on workshops including ceramic demonstrations, printmaking sessions, and lectures by visiting artists. A stop at the Museum Shop rewards visitors with unique art-inspired gifts, jewelry, and decorative items. The museum participates in the annual ArtWalk Ames event, extending its hours for a community-wide celebration of visual arts. For outdoor enthusiasts, the adjacent Anderson Sculpture Garden features more than 30 contemporary sculptures by nationally recognized artists set among landscaped lawns, with easy access to the ISU campus trail system.