UNI Sesquicentennial Exhibit
Step into 150 years of history. As part of the University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Celebration, the UNI Museum invites you to explore a special curated exhibit honoring our past, celebrating our present and inspiring our future.
This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases artifacts, photographs and stories from every chapter of UNI’s history — from our 1876 founding to today’s thriving campus community.
The Main Exhibit — A Must-See Experience
The heart of our sesquicentennial celebration exhibit is in UNI’s Rod Library, where you’ll find authentic artifacts from UNI’s history.
From our earliest days as the Iowa State Normal School to our present as a nationally recognized university, these artifacts tell the story of the people, places and events that shaped UNI.
The main exhibit is free of charge and open to the public! Exhibits are open during regular building hours.
What You’ll Experience in the Main Exhibit
- Honoring Our Legacy – Trace UNI’s journey through its many names, missions and milestones.
- People Who Make Us Proud – Meet alumni, faculty and students who have left their mark on the world.
- Landmarks That Tell Our Story – Explore campus icons like the Campanile, Lang Hall and UNI-Dome.
- Resilience Through the Years – See how UNI has navigated challenges with determination.
- Expanding Access, Elevating Communities – Learn about how we have demonstrated our commitment to empowering communities through our various outreach programs.
- Traditions That Last – Relive moments of Panther Pride that unite generations.
- What’s on the Horizon – Discover UNI’s newest programs, innovations and opportunities.
Satellite Exhibits - UNI’s Story on the Move
To make UNI’s story even more accessible, we’ve created satellite exhibits located in:
- Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
- McLeod Center - visit us in the Hall of Fame connector between the UNI-Dome and McLeod Center
- Maucker Union
These satellite exhibits, presented in a digital format, complement the Rod Library’s main exhibit with additional photos, stories and interactive features. While these displays enrich the celebration, the Rod Library exhibit remains the centerpiece with the largest collection of authentic artifacts.
Satellite exhibits are free of charge and open to the public! Exhibits are open during regular building hours.