Our Mission
The Waterloo Center for the Arts stimulates inquiry, provokes dialogue and connects people through the arts.

Visit. Learn. Explore. Join.
The WCA offers a multitude of different services, activities and classes for everyone!
The Waterloo Center for the Arts is located on the banks of the scenic Cedar River in downtown Waterloo. Visitors enjoy the changing exhibitions of art throughout the Center in addition to indoor and outdoor spaces (including Rooftop Decks, RiverLoop Amphitheatre, Expo Plaza, Arts Mall & Mark’s Park) overlooking the river. Whether you’re planning a wedding, professional meeting, event or festival, we can create just the right setting at the Waterloo Center for the Arts and RiverLoop Facilities.
Free Admission
The Center collects Midwest Art, American Decorative Arts, International Folk Art, including a significant collection of Mexican Folk Art and the worlds’ largest public collection of Haitian Art. Selections from our collection are always on display.
From live music concerts, riverside luncheons, film series, and performance art to community events and festivals, the Waterloo Center for the Arts offers a variety of cultural programs and events throughout the year.
The Pavilion is an interactive children’s museum featuring over 40 hands-on exhibits for all ages to explore. Milk a life-size cow, drive a tractor through a Grant Wood painting, test your skill at digital finger painting, explore the music, language and culture of other countries, and more!
Workshops and classes are designed for kids ages 3 and up, families, teens and adults at all levels of experience. Instruction is offered in drawing, painting, pottery, jewelry making, digital arts, and so much more!
One of the best ways to see the Center is to arrange for a docent led tour. Call (319) 291-4490 for information about our tour programs.
Individual & Family.
Become a member to receive free admission and discounts on classes, room rentals, parties and more!
Changing Exhibitions for Artist Inquiry
The Center collects Midwest Art, American Decorative Arts, International Folk Art, including a significant collection of Mexican Folk Art and the worlds’ largest public collection of Haitian Art. Selections from our collection are always on display. We also feature changing exhibits in five separate galleries throughout the building.
Would you like to have your art featured in one of the five evolving galleries?