Your Gateway to Extraordinary Experiences
Coming soon to the Putnam Museum & Science Center
Connecting Hearts Through Strings of Memory
Violins of Hope Iowa is coming to the Quad Cities through a unique collaboration of cultural partners, including the Putnam Museum. This powerful initiative brings a collection of violins that survived the Holocaust, each carrying stories of resilience, hope, and the unifying power of music. Together, our community partners are creating opportunities to experience these instruments and their history through exhibits, performances, and educational programs that honor memory and inspire dialogue. Join us in celebrating this extraordinary project that connects history, culture, and the human spirit.
In Partnership with:
Ballet Quad Cities
Danville Station
Figge Museum
German American Heritage Center
Jewish Federation of Des Moines
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities
Missing Voices
Pear Advertising
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Sioux City Annual Tolerance Week
Sioux City Symphony
Violins Of Hope
Experience the Art of Reflection
March 14 – September 7, 2026
Step inside the vibrant world of kaleidoscopes with 24 giant pieces created by world-renowned Davenport native Tom Chouteau. Mr. Chouteau, whose work has been featured in shows from Japan to New York, will also lead workshops for guests of all ages and have a working studio in the exhibit where attendees can learn how kaleidoscopes are made and how they work.
The colors, textures, lighting and seeing themselves reflected in designs along with flowers, stained glass, and more will create a mesmerizing experience guests won’t soon forget.
Legacy of Land: Treaties and the Shaping of America
September 19, 2026 thru February 7. 2027
As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, this educational exhibit explores how pivotal agreements transformed our nation’s landscape and communities. Presented in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and the Putnam Museum & Science Center, this exhibit highlights the Black Hawk Treaty of 1832, a defining moment that led to the founding of Davenport, Iowa. Through artifacts, documents, and stories, visitors will uncover the lasting impact of these treaties on the land and the people who called it home.
