Figge Art Museum
4.6(1.1K)google
4.7(41)yelp
Contemporary ArtIndoorEducationalPhoto Spot
Overview
The Figge Art Museum is located on the north bank of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa. The Figge, as it is commonly known, has an encyclopedic collection and serves as the major art museum for the eastern Iowa and western Illinois region. The Figge works closely with several regional universities and colleges (see below) as an art resource and collections hub for a number of higher education programs.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun12:00 – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeMagnificent year-round, but late afternoons between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM during spring or summer (especially Thursdays when hours extend to 8:00 PM) are unparalleled. This Pritzker Prize-winning translucent glass-and-steel building designed by David Chipperfield transforms into a shimmering 'crystal palace' as the sunset glows over the Mississippi River, casting golden light across the riverfront gallery wings.
Getting ThereCommanding the riverfront skyline in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. If driving, navigate via US-61 S (River Drive) straight into the downtown core; the museum operates its own secure, paid underground parking garage, supplemented by plentiful street parking meters. Via public transit, multiple Davenport CitiBus transit lines stop directly along 2nd St, under a 1-minute walk away.
Travel Tips
- The dedicated West 2nd Street lot has limited spaces; route directly to the Harrison Street Ramp covered garage instead to access the facility via connected urban walkways and bypass curbside tracking congestion.
- The sensitive Haitian Art spaces run precise archival environmental controls locked at 18°C (64°F) year-round; packing a light fleece layer ensures viewing comfort across extended visits.
Photo Tips
Gear
- The iconic glass pavilion features dynamic nocturnal lighting displays, but exposed Mississippi riverfront gusts drop real-feel winter metrics significantly; heavy windproof polar-grade outerwear is mandatory for exterior tripod capture.
Reviews
Positive
- Designed by a world-renowned architect, the soaring glass landmark on the riverfront is a stunning piece of art itself.
- Boasts a vast collection of Haitian art and Midwestern paintings; galleries have superb lighting and low crowd density for quiet viewing.
- First-class infrastructure with accessible elevators, multilingual exhibit brochures, and spotlessly clean restrooms throughout.
- Admission fees are very reasonable, and the museum cafe serves exquisite food alongside beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
Heads up
- Some upper floors hosting permanent collections close during rotations; check online first or you risk missing many exhibits.
- Dedicated free spaces are sparse; the museum's own parking structures require fees, and signs can confuse first-time drivers.
- Certain avant-garde modern installations lack accessible descriptions, leaving casual tourists who aren't art buffs feeling bored.
- The museum gift shop is quite small, and unique local art merchandise frequently runs out of stock, needing better retail options.