Feb. 1, 2010 - March 31, 2010
“Dolls of Japan: Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love” is an exhibit that celebrates the Japanese culture through this ancient art form.
The history of dolls is very long, with the oldest known doll in the world dating back nearly 24,000 years. The origin of Japanese dolls is also extremely old, beginning in the Jomon period about 3,000 years BC. However, it is only since the Edo period (1603-1868) that dolls have come to take on a wide variety of forms and purposes, and many different types have been produced.
This exhibition is an introduction to the present-day artistic world of dolls, with their unsurpassed tradition and deep involvement in the modern life of Japanese people. The dolls are grouped according to particular events in the Japanese calendar, their method of manufacture, their design and regional characteristics. Included are Japan’s representative dolls, including Hina ningyo (Girls’ Festival dolls) and Gogatsu ningyo (Boys’ Day dolls), which have their origins in ancient customs; dolls connected to traditional performing arts like noh, bunraku and kabuki; regional dolls from throughout the country; and “creative dolls” produced by contemporary craftspeople.
Second Floor Gallery
December 5, 2009 - January 2011
Art In Daily Life, showcases the native American collections of the State Historical Museum. The exhibit, which runs through January, 2011, features American Indian objects of great beauty including beaded tobacco bags, weapons, dolls, war shirts, dresses, moccasins and more – a majority of which have never been on public view.
Art In Daily Life examines Native American objects as both works of art and cultural artifacts. The exhibit shows how items of daily use can be elevated from mere utility to examples of artistic skill and vision.
3rd floor west
This 40-piece silver service was presented by Iowa to the U.S. Navy in 1896 for the then newly-commissioned USS Iowa battleship.
3rd floor west
Model building is a popular pastime for many people. See some rare, fine examples of models including ships, buildings and steam powered engines.
Mezzanine
Once hidden in Iowa’s Paleozoic rocks, crinoids give evidence of the great inland seas and the animals that flourished in the geologic past. We don’t know why these animals died. Did the water temperature rise? Were they suffocated by water that was too muddy? Come to your own conclusion by visiting this display.