Charles H. MacNider Art Museum
4.8 (226 Reviews)

Charles H. MacNider Art Museum

303 2nd Street SE
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 421-3666
www.macniderart.org

Tue
9:00am–8:00pm
Wed
9:00am–5:00pm
Thu
9:00am–8:00pm
Fri
9:00am–5:00pm
Sat
9:00am–5:00pm

A North Iowa cultural treasure, the museum includes a permanent collection of American art, the famous Bil Baird puppets, and an impressive range of ceramics. Genuinely an active center for the arts, the museum offers changing exhibits, studio classes, special events, Imagination Playground, and a gift shop. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9 AM-5 PM; Tuesday, Thursday 9 AM-8 PM. Gift shop features variety of gift items crafted by local, North Iowan artists. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9 AM - 8PM; Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM

History


Founded in 1966

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.

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 Alliance of Museums.

View AllUpcoming Events


Kids' Club
Imagination Playground - Closed
Jun 07, 2026, 12:00 AM CST
Mason City, IA
Museum is closed Sunday-Monday
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Kids' Club
Imagination Playground is Closed
Jun 08, 2026, 12:00 AM CDT
Mason City, IA
The Imagination Playground is available during regular business hours if that space is available and weather permitting. The MacNider Ar...
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Kids' Club
Throwing & Slab Building Combined Ages 16+
Jun 09, 2026, 9:30 AM CDT
Mason City, IA
Throwing & Slab Building Combined  Ages 16+ Class participants will create a piece using slab building and throwing techniques combined....
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Kids' Club
A Totem For The Garden Ages 16+
Jun 09, 2026, 5:30 PM CDT
Mason City, IA
A Totem For The Garden  Ages 16+ Class participants will assemble parts to be put together to create a totem for the garden. These parts...
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Kids' Club
CREATING WITH CLAY (AM) Ages 6+
Jun 11, 2026, 9:30 AM CDT
Mason City, IA
CREATING WITH CLAY Ages 6+ An introductory class for kids who are curious about the versatility of clay and want to try out its limitles...
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View AllRecent Posts


Call for Entries - Area Show: 50The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City, IA is putting out a call for entries for Area Show: 50 , an all-media competitive exhi...
MacNider Outdoor Art Market - Artist Applications Now Open2026 MacNider Outdoor Art Market artist applications are now being accepted! The event date is Sat., June 13, 2026 in Mason City, IA. De...
Photo Show Call for EntriesCALL FOR ENTRIES! The 46th Annual Cerro Gordo Photo Show is sponsored by the Safford and Lena Lock Photo Endowment Fund. Residents of Ce...
“Art the Vote" exhibitionHere are the current leaders of the “Art the Vote" exhibition. If you don’t agree – visit the MacNider Art Museum a cast your ballot! Th...