American Gothic House Center
In 1930, Grant Wood took a tour of a small Iowa town and spotted a little white house with a large gothic window. Inspired, Wood quickly sketched the house and returned home to Cedar Rapids to paint American Gothic, the second most recognized painting in the world. The house stands to this day and its exterior is viewed by thousands of people each year.
The American Gothic House Center is open year-round BUT the interior of the American Gothic House itself is only open on the second Saturday of the month, April through October.
Location
The American Gothic House and Center is located at 300 American Gothic Street, Eldon, Iowa.
Features
The American Gothic House Center is situated adjacent to the American Gothic House with accessible sidewalks leading up to the photo-op area in front of the house- complete with a gothic window-shaped selfie stand!
The parking lot and grounds are always accessible to the public, regardless of visitor center hours.
The center features an exhibition gallery about the history of the American Gothic House, American Gothic painting, Grant Wood, and more. The media room includes two videos (a 30-minute documentary geared towards adults and a 17-minute cartoon for kids). The gift shop has a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts relating to Grant Wood and Iowa. In addition to the usual souvenirs of postcards, ornaments, magnets, and mugs, there is 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. Language and braille guides are also available.
Effective April 1, 2023, admission to the center will be charged. Cost is $5 per person ages 13 and over and includes access to the gallery, media room, costumes, and restroom facilities. Children aged 12 and under as well as Wapello County residents (proof required) are free. Group discounts may be available with advanced reservations. There is no fee to enter the gift shop. Restrooms are for museum patrons only. The use of costumes is now included with the price of admission to capture your own parody in front of the American Gothic House, however, availability may be limited during inclement weather or during events.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Click here for costume check-out procedure guidelines. Last costume check-out is at 3:30 p.m. Please note costumes may be unavailable due to staffing, weather conditions, or during events.
You can find our Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Public events are held at the American Gothic House Center. Click here to see the current calendar of what's happening!
Group tours to the American Gothic House & Center are a great addition to any tour itinerary. Whether you are interested in history, art, a great photo opportunity, or a stroll through beautiful native prairie gardens, we have something for everyone in your group.
The American Gothic House Center invites all classes of any size to visit the center. There are a variety of educational options and programming may be tailored to meet your students’ needs. We’re happy to work with students of all ages- whether they’re just starting out in elementary school or are in a college-level class. Presentations at your club or group, whether school-age or adult, can be arranged.
If you would like a sneak peek as to what your visitor experience could be, click here for a short video.
Click here to read about one visitor's experience.
For more information on the American Gothic House Center, click here.
CURRENT VISITOR CENTER HOURS ARE:
MON - TUES: CLOSED
WED - SAT: 10AM - 4PM
SUN: 1PM - 4PM
Closures
We will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
Easter Sunday
Independence Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving and Black Friday
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
New Year's Day
Last admission to the visitor center is 10 minutes before close (3:50pm).
Please click HERE or check our Facebook page for any last minute closures.
The American Gothic House Center is open year-round. If you are planning to visit during inclement weather, please call first to be sure we are open at: 641-652-3352. Closure protocols of the City of Eldon as well as Wapello County offices and schools will be followed in order to keep our visitors and employees safe.
