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Sioux City Art Center: A Hub of Midwestern Art

Explore Midwestern art and culture at the Sioux City Art Center, offering free admission, diverse exhibitions, and engaging programs for all ages.

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The Sioux City Art Center is a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene, offering free admission to explore a diverse collection of Midwestern art. Founded in 1937 as a WPA project, the center hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and a permanent collection featuring notable artists. Its modern architecture and community engagement make it a must-visit destination in downtown Sioux City.

A brief summary to Sioux City Art Center

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-9 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursdays for extended hours and a quieter atmosphere to fully enjoy the exhibits.
  • Check the Art Center's schedule for special events, artist talks, and workshops to enhance your visit.
  • Don't miss the Junior League Hands On! Gallery for interactive fun, especially if you're visiting with children.
  • Take your time to explore the permanent collection, focusing on the works by regional artists.
  • Consider attending ArtSplash, the Art Center's premier art festival, held Labor Day Weekend.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation Center, walk two blocks north on Nebraska Street. The Sioux City Art Center will be on your left. This is a short, straightforward walk within the downtown area.

  • Public Transport

    Sioux City Transit operates several bus routes that stop near the Art Center. From the MLK Transportation Center, you can catch any bus that travels along Nebraska Street. Check the Sioux City Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Sioux City. A short ride from a downtown hotel or the MLK Transportation Center to the Art Center will likely cost between $6 and $13, depending on the distance and demand. Taxi rates generally start around $2.00 base fare, plus $1.24 per mile.

  • Driving

    From I-29 Northbound, take Exit 147B onto Nebraska Street and continue towards 2nd Street; the Art Center is on your left. From I-29 Southbound, take Exit 149 for Hamilton Blvd, follow signs for Wesley Pkwy, turn left onto Wesley Pkwy, right onto 3rd Street, then right onto Pierce Street; the Art Center will be on your left. Parking is available in the lot between the Art Center and the Gilchrist Learning Center, and non-metered parking is available on 2nd Street. Nearby parking ramps like Heritage Parking on Jackson charge around $0.75 per hour, with a daily maximum of $5.25.

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Discover more about Sioux City Art Center

The Sioux City Art Center, located in the heart of downtown Sioux City, Iowa, has been a vibrant center for the arts since its establishment in 1937. Originally a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, the Art Center has evolved into a significant cultural institution, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and a growing permanent collection. The Art Center's permanent collection began in 1938 and focuses primarily on artists from Iowa and the greater Midwest. It also includes a smaller collection of national and international artists. Visitors can view works by artists like Thomas Hart Benton, Dale Chihuly, and Grant Wood. One of the highlights is Grant Wood's Corn Room mural, originally commissioned for a local hotel in 1927. The Sioux City Art Center is not just a museum; it's a community hub. The Gilchrist Learning Center hosts classes and workshops for all ages, while the Junior League Hands On! Gallery provides interactive exhibits for children. The Art Center also hosts annual events and festivals, such as ArtSplash, further engaging the community. The Art Center's building itself is a work of art. Designed by Joseph Gonzalez of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the 45,000-square-foot facility opened in 1997. It features spacious galleries, a lecture hall, and a three-story atrium. The building is fully accessible, with a step-free entrance and other accessibility features. Visiting the Sioux City Art Center is free, making it accessible to everyone. The Art Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM. It is closed on Mondays and holidays. Parking is available in the lot between the Art Center and the Gilchrist Learning Center, with additional non-metered parking along 2nd Street.

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