Summer Museum Exhibits 2023
Have a look at some of the exciting exhibits and events our Quad Cities museums are putting together. These are great places to escape the summer heat outside and enjoy these summer exhibits.
At the Putnam Museum and Science Center:
JUNKraft: Global Crisis of Plastic Pollution. – Until October 30, 2023
This exhibit examines the issue of global plastic pollution within our oceans. In 2008 two sailors, Marcus Erikson and Joel Paschal, launched a home-made raft from Los Angeles with the intent to drift to Hawaii to bring attention to the emerging plastic pollution problem. With no motor or support vessel, the crew took thirteen weeks to reach their destination, three times longer than expected. They used 15,000 plastic bottles, twenty-six sailboat masts, and a Cessna aircraft fuselage to construct the raft, named JUNK.
Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories – New Permanent Exhibit
The culmination of a three-year regional history update. The Putnam Museum and Science Center has completely renovated the gallery and are displaying artifacts from the 250,000-piece collection that have never been featured before. The creation of this exhibit has been assisted by Friends of Martin Luther King Interpretive Center, LULAC Council 10, and Azubuike African American Council for the Arts.
At the Figge Art Museum:
They are offering free admission during the month of July!
The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz until September 2, 2023
Charles Monroe Schulz brightened the world for 50 years with his Peanuts comic strip, which debuted October 2, 1950. With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts Gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit. Schulz once proclaimed, “It seems beyond the comprehension of people that someone can be born to draw comic strips, but I think I was.” In the exhibit, explore the personal history of Charles Schulz and his role as the inspiration and artistic talent behind the famous comic strip and its unique cast of characters. Follow Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and see the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts we know today.
Ansel Adams, The Sierra Club, and the Making of a Landscape Icon from June 17 - August 17, 2023
The Figge will present Portfolio Three: Yosemite Valley, a suite of images by the renowned photographer Ansel Adams. A San Francisco native, Adams (1902-1984) was arguably the most famous and influential American landscape photographer of the twentieth century. At the age of twenty-six, Adams served as the Sierra Club’s official trip photographer, whose mission was the preservation and conservation of California's Sierra Nevada, a mountain range located primarily in eastern central California. In his role with the Club, Adams accompanied large groups of members on month long excursions in Yosemite and in the surrounding Sierra Nevadas. His impressive images capture and promote the natural beauty found in Yosemite.
Beyond the Classroom until September 3, 2023
This exhibition showcases the talents of regional K-12 art teachers through the artworks they have created beyond the classrooms in which they teach. We applaud and recognize the teaching artists in Beyond the Classroom and hope that their creative achievements inspire not only their students, but the entire community.
Iowa Night Skies: Photographs by Johnny Brian from June 17 - August 27, 2023
Iowa Night Skies features a dozen stunning pigment prints by Iowa City based photographer Johnny Brian (b. 1957). By exposing film over long periods, Brian captures the bustling sky from his backyard. With the Milky Way, comets and meteors, aircraft, satellites, and fireflies all streaking across the heavens.
At the German American Heritage Center & Museum:
Neighbors to the North: German Influence in New Ulm, Minnesota until July 30, 2023
Just like Davenport, Iowa, New Ulm, Minnesota was a hub for German immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, New Ulm preserves their German heritage which is reflected in their events, monuments, museums, and festivals. Explore the German history of New Ulm and view objects from their history. Featuring original paintings from Anton Gág, the father of artist and children’s author, Wanda Gág.
Los Desconocidos: The Migrant Quilt Project until August 27th, 2023
Once a hub for immigrants looking for a fresh start in a new land, Davenport boasted a high percentage of immigrants in the 19th and 20th century. This trend continues in the 21st century as many immigrants and refugees seek safety and better opportunities for their families in the United States. The Migrant Quilt Project memorializes the stories of migrants who have died seeking refuge in the United States. It is a collaborative effort between artists, quilt makers, and activists to document the names and number of lives lost each year in the desert. The quilts are created to encourage compassion and inspire support for humane changes in border policies.
At the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum:
Their archives contain more than a million historical documents in the categories of literature, science, religion, political history, exploration, music and art.
The Documentary Birth of America until the end of August, 2023
Our United States started as individual colonies. We are showcasing documents that were the start of these new colonies. Colonies included in this exhibit are New England, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maine, Maryland, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. English Royalty, such as Charles II, James II, William III, and Mary II, signed each document. Free admission.
Also in the QC for a limited time:
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience until July 20, 2023
Head to the RiverCenter in Davenport to get the full Van Gogh experience. Through the use of cutting-edge projection technology and an original score, Beyond Van Gogh breathes new life into over 300 of Van Gogh’s artworks. Occupying over 30,000 square feet, Beyond Van Gogh is the largest immersive experience in the country, offering guests ample room to safely enjoy the exhibit.
The Family Museum has some fun activities for kids this summer!
Their outdoor play area has playground equipment, hidden structures, and waterplay. The Russell Dig Zone is also open! This is a place for kids to “drive” big trucks, dig, dump, sift and play in sand and pea gravel. Prepare to get dirty!