Featuring rotating exhibits of historic & contemporary quilts
EVERY VISIT IS A BRAND NEW EXPERIENCE!
Just a short scenic drive from Des Moines via Interstates 80 or 35, Winterset is a picturesque and historic community. The Iowa Quilt Museum is located on the South side of the town square in a building that used to house a JC Penney store.
April 1 – October 31
10:00 – 5:00 Monday– Saturday
12:00 – 4:00 Sunday
November 1 – March 31
10:00 – 4:00 Monday– Saturday
12:00 – 4:00 Sunday
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday.
Closing at 1:00 on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
If Winterset Community Schools close for inclement weather, we will also close.
$8.00 for Adults
$7.00 for Seniors, Veterans and Active Military
$5.00 for Children (ages 3-12)
$5.00 for Students (including undergraduate and graduate) with ID
Free for Members
Touring the museum usually takes about 45 minutes, depending on whether or not you want to read all of the signage.
Admission for Groups of 20+ is $5 per visitor. Learn more about bringing a group to the Iowa Quilt Museum by selecting the Group Tours tab at left.
Timestamps
In 1991, Ticky Tims was a career music composer, producer, performer, arranger, and conductor living in St. Louis. That summer, he was given his Granny’s 1955 Sears Kenmore sewing machine and decided to make a western shirt to wear two-stepping. After looking at the men’s shirt patterns in Cloth World, and realizing the complexity of attaching sleeves, collars, and cuffs, he
abandoned the idea—thinking it would be much too difficult for someone who had never sewn before.
Here is where Ricky’s quilting career began because he figure a quilt is FLAT— no collars or cuffs! Of course, he quickly learned one of the most challenging aspects of making a quilt is getting it flat. Now Ricky is known for his stunning designs, fabric, and entertaining educational experiences.
In the Timestamp exhibit, you will learn more about Ricky’s journey, and view quilts made over the course of his quilting career—even his first quilt! One thing you’ll quickly discover is Ricky has a great eye for color and is a phenomenal storyteller.
Journey through the timestamps of Ricky’s career starting March 14 – June 18, 2023.
Additional Local Attractions
Award-winning Downtown Shopping District
Piece Works Quilt Shop
Ben Franklin Store with great quilting section
Bridges of Madison County
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
Madison County Historical Complex
Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
And Much More!
Admission for groups of 20 or more is $6 per person.
In order to have adequate staff on hand, we appreciate advanced notice for group tours.
Groups can schedule a guided gallery walk with Marianne Fons. Cost is $150 per group. Subject to availability. Contact Museum Director Carissa Heckathorn: director@IowaQuiltMuseum.org
The Iowa Quilt Museum gift shop offers a wide variety of quilting-related items and gifts. Many of the pieces in our shop are hand-made by local quilters and artists. There’s no doubt that you can find a unique souvenir for yourself or a gift for someone else.