Old Capitol Museum, Southeast Iowa Travel Guide

4.7 (310)

Explore Iowa's captivating history at the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City, a National Historic Landmark on the University of Iowa's campus.

Home
Travel Guides
Iowa
Southeast Iowa
Old Capitol Museum

The Old Capitol Museum, located in Iowa City, stands as a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of Iowa's early statehood. Built in 1840, it served as the state's capitol from 1846 to 1857. Today, it's a museum showcasing restored period rooms and exhibits about Iowa's history and the University of Iowa.

A brief summary to Old Capitol Museum

21 N Clinton St, Iowa City, Mann, Iowa, 52242, US
Click to display
Click to display

Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Capitol Museum.

Admission is free, making it an affordable and enriching experience for all visitors.
Check the museum's calendar for special events, lectures, and performances.
Consider a guided tour to learn more about the building's history and architecture.
The museum is located in downtown Iowa City, making it easy to combine your visit with other nearby attractions and dining options.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Terrace Hill Historic Site

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Dodge House-Historic General

Jesse James Historical Site

Plum Grove Historical Site

Explore Old Capitol Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Capitol Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Old Capitol Museum is located in the heart of the University of Iowa campus and downtown Iowa City, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the city. From the Iowa Memorial Union, head north along Clinton Street for about two blocks. The museum is located on the Pentacrest, a central green space on campus. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Iowa City Transit provides bus service throughout Iowa City, including the University of Iowa campus. Several bus routes stop near the Old Capitol Museum, including stops at the Downtown Interchange and Macbride Hall. From the Downtown Interchange, walk north towards the Pentacrest. As of August 1, 2023, Iowa City Transit is fare-free. The University of Iowa Cambus system also provides fare-free service throughout the campus.
Parking

Several parking ramps are available in downtown Iowa City. Recommended options include the Iowa Memorial Union parking ramp and the Capitol Street Ramp. The Capitol Street Ramp is adjacent to the Old Capitol Town Center. Parking in these ramps costs $0 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour. Street parking is also available, but most on-street parking in downtown Iowa City is metered with time limits. Electric vehicle charging is available in all parking ramps for $0.16 per kWh.

Discover more about Old Capitol Museum

The Old Capitol Museum, situated at the heart of the University of Iowa's Pentacrest in Iowa City, is a monument to Iowa's rich history. Constructed in 1840, it served as the state's capitol building from 1846, when Iowa became the 29th state, until 1857, when the capital moved to Des Moines. The building has since been a central part of the University of Iowa, surviving a major fire in 2001 and multiple renovations.Today, the Old Capitol Museum is a National Historic Landmark that welcomes visitors to explore Iowa's past. The museum features restored period rooms that reflect the building's original use, along with changing exhibits about local and state history. Visitors can explore the grand spaces on self-guided tours or arrange for a guided tour to learn more about the building's history and significance. A highlight is the reverse spiral staircase, an architectural marvel with a fascinating backstory.The Old Capitol Museum also serves as a center for culture and civic discourse, hosting lectures, performances, wedding ceremonies, and other events. Its central location on the University of Iowa campus makes it easily accessible to other attractions, restaurants, and shops in downtown Iowa City. Admission is always free.