After several years of planning, and two years of construction, the Muscatine Art Center is ready to celebrate the completion of its renovations. A ribbon cutting will be held Thursday afternoon at the historic Musser-McColm House.
The director, Melanie Alexander, says the temperature and humidity can now be controlled in the 109 year old mansion and other buildings. And they've eliminated the traditional displays and labels that used to clutter the historic home, hoping to make it look like "the family just walked out the door and you just missed them."
"We've included two touch screens where people can look by room at either what's hanging on the walls or some of the objects that are on view, select that, and find information about the artist, the time period, and other pieces that are like that in our collection."
Another important improvement is an area for kids with interactive displays to help them enjoy the art and historic home.
Alexander says while the home was being renovated, artwork and programs were moved to the center's other buildings - a gallery, carriage house, and offices.
The city of Muscatine, state of Iowa, and several foundations all contributed to the 2.3 million dollar cost of the renovations.
