The Permanent Collection was started in 1962 with the gift of a Marvin Cone painting “I Have Loved the Unloved” from the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Junior League. Through additional gifts the collection has developed in four directions:

Midwest Art – This collection reflects the diversity of Midwest art and includes works by American Regionalist masters Grant Wood, Marvin Cone and Thomas Hart Benton.

Haitian/Caribbean Folk Art – The largest public collection of Haitian art in the United States featuring colorful paintings, powerful metal sculpture and glittering beaded and sequined banners.

American Decorative Arts – A collection of exceptional works in clay, metal, fiber, glass and wood.

International Folk Art – An exciting collection including fine textiles, fetish objects and decorative items representing cultures from around the globe.

Public Art – A collection of monumental works spread across the greater City of Waterloo, works range from murals and mosaics to bigger than life sculptures