about the museum

The Charles H. MacNider Museum is a non-profit, municipally owned
institution conceived in 1964 and opened by 1966 in Mason City, Iowa.

Everything the Museum does is educational or aesthetic in nature
centering around working with objects of art.

The Museum exhibits and interprets a permanent collection of American art; temporary exhibitions of art; provides art classes for all ages; offers enriching arts programs; and maintains an art library.

By entering into a partnership with our regional community, the MacNider Art Museum seeks to engage diverse audiences in the visual arts, and through them, sustain an environment in which American art is enjoyed, understood, and can thrive.

Our commitment to professional museum standards is a central part of our public trust and responsibility to current and future generations.

The Museum is governed by a Board of Trustees and operated by a professional staff. It is linked in spirit and purpose with museums around the world as one of the keepers of the treasures, history and heritage of humankind.

It is committed to the goals and standards set for museums and the museum profession by the American Association of Museums.