Art Walking Tour
Grinnell has a very active arts community. Between the Grinnell College Museum of Art and the Grinnell Area Arts Council, creative projects and artistic expression are a staple of the community and can be seen in many areas around town so keep your eyes out for pieces that aren’t listed below! Distance 2.1 miles
1. Merchants National Bank
833 4th Ave
No tour of the arts in Grinnell would be complete without a visit to the famed Sullivan Jewel Box. Designed by legendary architect Louis Sullivan, this “Jewel Box” bank was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and currently houses the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce. It is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and is often open on weekends. Call in advance (641-236-6555) to confirm hours.
2. 4th Avenue Mural
818 4th Avenue
Walk west on Fourth Ave. to the alley and cross the street to see the mural painted on the side of the building. Members of the Grinnell College Student Organization of Latinas and Latinos (SOL) led this mural project to represent the growth of diversity on campus and their relationship with the community.
3. Dino Mural
817 Commercial Street (behind the building)
This unique piece was brought to life but a handful of local Grinnellians looking to add to the downtown art scene. Village Decorating Studio donated the wall, local business owner Colleen Klainert (Solera) with local artist Ryan McGuire brought the piece to light with the financial help of Grin City Collective.
4. Grinnell Railway Express
Home to a model railroad that includes models of Grinnell buildings from decades ago. On the side of the building, you will find another colorful mural painted by college students and young children from the community. The restaurant in the old train depot across the street boasts delicious food and a great view of the railroad crossing.
5. Grinnell Arts Center
Step inside the Grinnell Arts Center in downtown Grinnell. Built in 1901 as the original community library and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has served as the home of the Grinnell Area Arts Council and its programs since 2009. Stewart Gallery, on the main level, features rotating exhibits showcasing local and regional artists. The Loft Theatre hosts quarterly performances by the Grinnell Community Theatre. Facility hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM. Call in advance to confirm hours 641-236-3203 or visit their website to learn more about their current exhibit. Check out their website to see the latest installation. (They’ve also got a couple of cool public art pieces outside the building that are worth a visit!)
6. Drake Community Library
Check out a unique addition to the Grinnell Art scene, added in 2018. “Prairie Song” was created by Michele Gutlove from Design Studio GH, LLC. Each piece is hand blown and Michele and her team travel from Massachusetts to install the displays. Pictures don’t do this piece justice so make time during your visit to stop in and see for yourself!
7. Grinnell College Museum of Art
Head north to Grinnell College’s Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli. Grinnell College Museum of Art Faulconer Gallery, just inside the main entrance, presents notable international, national, and regional exhibitions. The gallery is open every day from 11 AM - 5 PM. Visit their website for details on current and future exhibitions.
8. Print & Drawing Room
Home of Grinnell College’s extensive art-on-paper collection, the Print and Drawing Study Room is located in the lower level of Burling Library. View over 3,000 works on paper, ranging from prints such as Francisco Goya’s The Disasters of War series to photographs, drawings, and even original Japanese scrolls made with handmade paper. The Print & Drawing Study Room is open Sunday-Friday 1-5 PM during the school year. If you’d like to visit outside that time or anytime from June-August, call 641-269-3371 to make an appointment.
9. Smith Gallery
1115 8th Avenue
Smith Gallery, named for Edith Renfrow Smith ‘37, is located in the Joe Rosenfield Center
near the dining hall entrance. This gallery is committed to the exhibition of innovative contemporary art from Grinnell College students. These exhibits offer student artists an educational gallery experience. To see current and past exhibitions, visit the Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 Gallery.
10. B.J. Ricker House
The Benjamin J. and Mabel T. Ricker House
Designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin in 1911 and completed in 1912. This 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home bears many of the hallmarks of the mature Griffin style. Notable on the exterior is the brick-and-tile decoration framing the windows on all four facades, a signature of Marion Mahony Griffin. While the Ricker House is now a private residence and not open to public tours, you can learn more about it on our website.
11. McNally’s Foods
1021 Main Street
Stop by McNally’s local grocery store for a cool beverage, a bite to eat, and a view of the indoor mural painted by Grinnell native Joe Lacina. The mural, which depicts food favorites in town, was installed in the summer of 2013 to celebrate the opening of the grocery store’s new location.
12. Grinnell School of Music Mural
720 5th Avenue
The newest addition to the Grinnell art scene is the mural at the Grinnell School of Music. Located on the west side of the building, this colorful display of musical woodland animals encourages visitors and students to “conduct joy”. The mural was completed in the spring of 2024 by Des Moines artist, Ally Frame.
13. Grin Cupola
A spacious three-story corn crib built in the 1930’s is home to a contemporary art gallery and project space just north of Grinnell. Founder and curator Joe Tuggle Lacina aims to support the arts in Iowa, particularly emerging artists, and enrich the local community with a unique gallery space. Each year, the space features one web/virtual exhibition of 3-5 artists or one on-site physical exhibition of small group, solo and pop-up performance. Viewing is available by appointment, during event hours or on their website.
Community Art Events
Grinnell has a number of community art events throughout the year. Make sure to check the associated links, our community calendar or give us a call if you have questions about a specific event.
Music in the Park
Central Park, Thursday evenings in June & July
The Stew Makerspace
Classes, workshops, artist sales
Jewel Box Quilt Show
August, Odd Years
Grinnell Craft Brewhouse
Live music, game nights
Kites Over Grinnell
September
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