World Culture Gallery

World Cultures Gallery featuring a collage of multi-cultural, colorful figurines, statues, costumes and textures.
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Take A Closer Look at the World Around You

The World Culture Gallery celebrates the diverse cultures of our community by featuring artifacts from our international collection including objects from the world travels of some of the museum’s founders such as the Putnam, Palmer and Figge families.

The Putnam’s World Culture Gallery is an ever-changing exhibit that showcases a wide range of cultures with ties to the Quad Cities. Our goal is to highlight the diversity of our community and to feature local curators who bring their unique perspective to each exhibit. From ancient civilizations to contemporary art, there is always something new and exciting to explore at the World Culture Gallery.

Come visit us today and embark on a journey of discovery through the rich tapestry of global cultures.

Current Exhibits in the World Culture Gallery:

West African artifacts on display in the Akwaaba: Journey to West Africa exhibit in the World Culture Gallery. A west African woman in traditional dress interacting with a modern tablet. Also included a west African clay bust and black stylized depiction of a female figure with red jewelry accents.

Akwaaba: Journey to West Africa

The diverse cultures of West Africa make an appearance at The Putnam Museum’s newest exhibit in its World Culture Gallery. “Akwaaba” is a welcome addition to the museum’s wide array of science and cultural displays.

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Unearthing Ancient Egypt gallery as if you were about to walk in. Pictured at the forefront is a mummy wrapped in traditional linens dating back to 332 BC. In the background is a black coffin with intricate design and art that dates back to between 1479 and 1336 BC.

Unearthing Ancient Egypt

Step back into history and discover the mysteries of ancient Egypt in the Putnam’s Unearthing Ancient Egypt exhibit, which features a broad collection of breathtaking Egyptian treasures and two mummies.

Read More »
CT Scan of Putnam Mirror

Magic Mirror

For over 100 years the Putnam has had a magic mirror sitting in collections and did not know. This is a two sided bronze mirror from Japan that was purchased by Charles A. Ficke in 1904-5 and subsequently donated to the museum. 

When light is shone onto this seemingly…

Unearthing Ancient Egypt gallery as if you were about to walk in. Pictured at the forefront is a mummy wrapped in traditional linens dating back to 332 BC. In the background is a black coffin with intricate design and art that dates back to between 1479 and 1336 BC.

Unearthing Ancient Egypt

Step back into history and discover the mysteries of ancient Egypt in the Putnam’s Unearthing Ancient Egypt exhibit, which features a broad collection of breathtaking Egyptian treasures and two mummies.

West African artifacts on display in the Akwaaba: Journey to West Africa exhibit in the World Culture Gallery. A west African woman in traditional dress interacting with a modern tablet. Also included a west African clay bust and black stylized depiction of a female figure with red jewelry accents.

Akwaaba: Journey to West Africa

The diverse cultures of West Africa make an appearance at The Putnam Museum’s newest exhibit in its World Culture Gallery. “Akwaaba” is a welcome addition to the museum’s wide array of science and cultural displays.

Explore More

Please Note: The Museum & Science Center will be closed for maintenance, cleaning, and updates January 8 -12.

We will resume normal hours on Saturday (1/13). Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support!

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