Since 1961, when Ann and Henry Brunnier gifted their decorative arts collection to Iowa State University, more than 600 private donors have contributed over 30,000 objects to the University Museums’ permanent collections. Growth has varied over time, with some years accessioning fewer than 25 objects and others exceeding 1,000.
These objects are collected, cared for, and interpreted for the cultural and educational benefit of University Museums’ audiences. Recognizing their historic and aesthetic value as teaching tools, collectors and donors have graciously chosen to share them, adding scholarship and context, strengthening the collection, and supporting visual literacy and learning.
