Let’s rewind to 1985 when the museum acquired the beautiful old Cedar Rapids Public Library building. Then, in 1989, the iconic post-modern architect Charles Moore gave it a facelift, adding a sleek new adjoining structure to house all the marvelous masterpieces.
Now here's a juicy tidbit: this museum holds the world's largest collection of works by legendary artists like Grant Wood, Marvin Cone, and Bertha Jaques. Yep, you heard that right! You’ll have the chance to see incredible pieces like Wood's "Woman with Plants" and "Young Corn." And here’s the kicker-just a few blocks away is Grant Wood's original studio, known affectionately and fictionally as 5 Turner Alley. Imagine standing where Wood painted the iconic "American Gothic"!
But that's not all. Marvin Cone, a close pal and collaborator of Wood, has his breathtaking landscapes and abstracts right here too. You’ll also find masterworks by the likes of Mauricio Lasansky, Malvina Hoffman, Ann Royer, and Carl Van Vechten. This place is like a who's who of the art world!
The museum has had its challenges, including surviving the worst flood in Cedar Rapids' history back in 2008. Just six months after installing a fancy new $200,000 art storage system, they had to move their precious collection to higher ground as floodwaters rose. Thankfully, no artworks were damaged-close call!
So, get lost in the labyrinth of art and let the creative energy of Cedar Rapids envelope you! Whether you're an art aficionado or just here for the pretty pictures, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has something to tickle everyone's artistic fancy. Enjoy!
