Popular Iowa Art Museum Gets Huge Grant, Offering Free Admission

When you're in eastern Iowa, a popular spot to check out is the famous Figge Art Museum. The Figge is home to the Grant Wood Archives and one of the largest Haitian art collections in the U.S.

Starting in December, you can explore and experience the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport, Iowa for free on the second Saturday of each each because of a huge grant they just received.

Figge Art Museum Receives Huge Grant

The Figge Art Museum which is home to the Grant Wood Archives and one of the largest Haitian art collections in the United States will now welcome visitors to the museum free of charge the second Saturday of every month, beginning Saturday, December 9, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation.

The Art Bridges Foundation is a national arts nonprofit founded by philanthropist Alcie Walton. they announced the launch of “Access for All” in October which is an initiative that aims to increase access to museums across the country and foster engagement with local communities by covering the costs of free admission days and expanded free hours as well as programming, outreach, and community partnerships that together, will eliminate many common barriers to access.

Free Admission At The Figge

Second Saturdays at the Figge are set to enhance the cultural fabric of the Quad Cities by offering broader access to a diverse array of exhibitions. These days will also highlight the museum's comprehensive art education programming, such as exhibition tours, make-and-take art activities, performances, wellness activities, and more.

Guiding the art education programming for each second Saturday at the Figge will be a unique theme that infuses the day with a distinct energy, beginning with “Celebrating the Season of Giving,” on December 9.

Figge Executive Director and CEO Michelle Hargrave said this about receiving the grant and offering free admission on the second Saturday of each month:

“We are overjoyed to open our doors wider and more often thanks to the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. The launch of free second Saturdays underscores our dedication to being a cultural hub that is accessible to all. Our inaugural ‘Celebrating the Season of Giving’ theme for the first free Saturday reflects our spirit of community, generosity, and gratitude, and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration.”

You can see what exhibits are on display at the Figge along with other exhibits on the schedule, tours, admission fees, and more on their website.