Arts, Culture, & Entertainment

The University of Iowa has a rich, internationally acclaimed tradition in the Performing and Visual Arts and Creative Writing. The surrounding community boasts numerous arts venues and festivals.

Performance artists outside Hancher, at night

Iowa City ranked #5 among national college towns for its educated and diverse populace and youthful, artsy culture on and off-campus (American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), 2017).  

Iowa City named #3 in “Best Literary Cities in the U.S.” (The Reading Room, 2015).

Arts, Culture, & Entertainment

Performing Arts at Iowa

At the University of Iowa, we collaborate across campus and community, blending artistry and technology to offer a tremendous variety of ways to enjoy the performing arts—whether you are a creator, performer, or audience member.

Hancher Auditorium

Hancher engages with academic partners across campus, connecting artists with students and faculty from various disciplines, using the arts as a way to bring scholarship to life. Contact Director of Programming & Engagement.

Museums and Collections

Connect to the UI Stanley Museum of Art, Old Capitol Museum, Museum of Natural History, library collections, and more.

UI Stanley Museum of Art Visit Request

Faculty, staff, and students from visiting colleges or universities may request an exhibition tour in our galleries or a specialized viewing experience of work in our visual laboratory and classroom through online visit request form.

Calendars