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About the Pentacrest Museums The University of Iowa recently combined its Museum of Natural History and Old Capitol Museum, under one joint administration, into the Pentacrest Museums, so that the two can collaborate in enhancing the UI's focus on cultural and environmental diversity. However, each museum still maintains a distinct and separate entity, with its own personality and mission. Museum of Natural History Founded in 1858 by a legislative resolution of the state's General Assembly, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is the oldest university museum -- and second-oldest museum of any kind -- west of the Mississippi River. Many of the museum's collections rank among those of the top museums in North America. UI students and faculty from across campus, as well as scientists and scholars from throughout the region, use the Museum of Natural History extensively for research and study. In addition, thousands of visitors stroll through the museum's exhibits each year, and its educational programming reaches countless schoolchildren around the area. The museum's three galleries include Iowa Hall, the William and Eleanor Hageboeck Hall of Birds, and Mammal Hall. The museum's new environmental learning center -- the Biosphere Discovery Hub -- features UI global environmental research. Old Capitol Museum For more than 150 years, Old Capitol has represented the pioneering spirit of Iowa and The University of Iowa. The last capitol of the Iowa territory, it served as Iowa's first state capitol from 1846 to 1857. When the state government moved to Des Moines in 1857, Old Capitol served as the University's first building and the founding place of many departments. In 1976, Old Capitol became a National Historic Landmark and public museum. After fours years of recovery from a devastating fire in 2001, Old Capitol Museum reopened in May 2006 as a vital cultural and educational resource for numerous visitors, researchers, and schoolchildren. The rejuvenated museum features changing exhibition galleries, an expanded gift shop, restored period rooms, and a self-guided tour. Contact Information If you would like additional information about supporting the Pentacrest Museums, please contact:
Susan Sweeney |