Morrill Hall

Morrill Hall is a three-story red brick building at Iowa State University constructed in 1891, featuring Romanesque design with ventilation chimneys at each corner. Today it houses the art museum, university classrooms, a textiles conservation laboratory, and a center for teaching excellence.

Built in 1891, the structure originally served multiple purposes including a museum, library, chapel, lecture halls, laboratories, and armory for the university. A major restoration in 2007 transformed it into a modern art museum while preserving its original character.

The building houses the Christian Petersen Art Museum, honoring the nation's first university artist-in-residence and his legacy. Visitors can see how art spaces are woven into the academic mission of the university.

The building is accessible throughout with galleries and work spaces spread across multiple floors. Visitors can move through the interior to see both historic features and modern educational functions in different areas.

More than 3,300 community donors raised 7.4 million dollars to restore this building through a grassroots fundraising effort. This widespread support reflects how much the community values the preservation of this historic structure.

Location: Iowa

Architects: Josselyn & Taylor

GPS coordinates: 42.02722,-93.64778

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23