Culture

Iowa offers rich, unique cultural experiences

: The Macnider Art Museum in Mason City and other venues around the state offer plenty to tempt the cultural palette/Photo courtesy Iowa Museum Association

Iowa.com

No matter where you are in Iowa, you're never too far from a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

Our museums, cultural and historic organizations can help you celebrate and explore the rich heritage of the people of Iowa: Norwegians, Czechs, Slovaks, Native Americans, Scottish, Germans, African Americans, and more.

Iowa is home to impressive art museums, as well as art galleries, festivals and fairs.

We have symphonies in every part of the state, from the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra in Sioux Center to the Des Moines Symphony to the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra in Mount Pleasant. Orchestra Iowa (formerly the Cedar Rapids Symphony) performs in a variety of Iowa communities.

The symphony not your thing? How about opera, blues, rock, country, gospel, Irish folk or Native American drumming? Iowa's musical offerings span a wide range of tastes. You'll discover plenty of popular local and regional musicians, as well as big-name entertainers who perform in a number of venues throughout Iowa.

Want to take in show? Iowa's cities are brimming with theatrical performances, from traveling troupes to improv groups. Not near a city? Not to worry! Iowa is bursting at the seams with community theaters full of homegrown talent.

And don't forget our film festivals! Iowa has a vibrant independent film and video community, and you'll find festivals in towns of every size across the state.

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