Gallery 181

Students exploring an exhibition held in Gallery 181.

Celebrate and be inspired by our latest exhibitions

Gallery 181 is located on the first floor of the College of Design building on the west side of the Iowa State campus. Exhibition viewing hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and by special arrangement. The gallery is closed on weekends and university holidays. Admission is free.

The work you encounter in the College of Design’s gallery may contain a number of topics that are emotionally challenging and can create discomfort. Some work contains adult content and sensitive subject matter. We encourage visitors to engage with the variety of perspectives, opinions, and experiences displayed and to discuss them with family members, peers, and mentors.

Upcoming gallery exhibits and receptions

Machines… and Ideas to Postpone the End of the World

Gallery 181, College of Design 715 Bissell Road, Ames, IA, United States

The "Machines... and Ideas to Postpone the End of the World" exhibition will be on view Oct. 9 –Nov. 1 in Gallery 181, located on the first floor of the […]

New Perspectives in Graphic Design

Gallery 181, College of Design 715 Bissell Road, Ames, IA, United States

The show will be on display November 6 - 14 in Gallery 181, located on the first floor of the College of Design building on the west side of the Iowa State […]

Reservation inquiries

Book an exhibition in Gallery 181. The College of Design is currently accepting reservations for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Use the form below to submit an exhibition request. All requested exhibitions must be a minimum duration of one week and open to the public for viewing during business hours. Gallery 181 is fully booked for the 2024-2025 academic year.

College of Design student working on class project.

A Cyclone in the Making

Find your place at Iowa State University’s College of Design, where we like to ask questions, poke and prod, create something new, and make a difference through design.