Visitor Center
- Mission Statement -
“The American Gothic House Center endeavors to provide a unique, educational, and inclusive visitor experience to individuals and groups from all backgrounds; to communicate information related to the American Gothic House, American Gothic painting, and Grant Wood that is accurate and accessible; and to be an asset to the local community.”
- Amenities -
Click HERE to see what the American Gothic House Center has to offer!
Outdoor Area
The Circle
Our center is situated adjacent to the Gothic House with accessible sidewalks leading up to the photo-op area in front of the house. A gothic window-shaped selfie stand is located next to the circle for your use.
Our parking lot and grounds are always accessible to the public, regardless of visitor center hours.
Exhibition Gallery
INSIDE THE CENTER
Our center features an exhibition gallery about the history of the Gothic House, American Gothic, Grant Wood, and more. Activities for children have been recently added.
Media Room
AUDIO-visual opportunity
We have a media room featuring two videos (a 30-minute documentary geared towards adults and a 17-minute cartoon for kids).
Gift Shop
souveniers
Our gift shop features a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts relating to Grant Wood and Iowa.
In addition to the usual souvenirs of postcards and ornaments, magnets and mugs, we also have a variety of handmade crafts and original art from artists and crafters in the local community, as well as Iowa-made candles from the marvelous Milkhouse Candle Co.
Costumes
pitchforks PLUS
To capture your own parody in front of the American Gothic House during business hours, costume usage is now included with your admission fee. The outdoor selfie stand is a handy tool for taking those photos. See below for a selection of visitors’ photos.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Click HERE for costume check-out procedure guidelines. Last costume check-out is at 3:30 p.m. Also note that costumes may not be available during certain events. Click HERE for the schedule.
Other amenities include restrooms, a water fountain, a wheelchair, and language guides for our gallery - including Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, and Braille (Braille guides are available upon request from a staff member).
Admission is $5 per person aged 13 and over and includes the gallery, media room, use of costumes, and restroom facilities. There is no charge to only enter the gift shop. Under 13 years as well as Wapello County residents are free (with proof). Group discounts may be available with advanced reservations.
