The best arts & culture spots in Ames

5 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Performance Dance Centre

Arts & Culture

Whether your kid lives to leap or just wants to try something new, Performance Dance Centre right here in Ames blends top-notch acro and…

2316 230th St #104

“Whether your kid lives to leap or just wants to try something new, Performance Dance Centre right here in Ames blends top-notch acro and dance instruction with safety-first vibes, small class sizes, and pro floors, building confidence, friendships, and plenty of proud-parent moments to brighten your week.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Farm House Museum

Arts & Culture

Make it your this-week wander. The Farm House Museum lets you explore Iowa State’s original 1860 farmhouse, a National Historic Landmark…

601 Farm House Ln

“Make it your this-week wander.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Christian Petersen Art Museum

Arts & Culture

Come wander the contemplative galleries at Christian Petersen Art Museum in historic Morrill Hall where Petersen’s bronze figures and stone…

603 Morrill Rd

“Come wander the contemplative galleries at Christian Petersen Art Museum in historic Morrill Hall where Petersen’s bronze figures and stone carvings meet rotating shows by contemporary and internationally recognized artists.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Brunnier Art Museum

Arts & Culture

Iowa’s only accredited decorative-arts museum, Brunnier Art Museum quietly flexes with Venetian glass, imperial Chinese porcelain, jade…

1800 Center Dr #295

“Iowa’s only accredited decorative-arts museum, Brunnier Art Museum quietly flexes with Venetian glass, imperial Chinese porcelain, jade carvings, and rotating exhibitions that make you actually stop and stare. Slip in for a midweek brain reset, leave feeling half cultured, half curious to see more.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Robert Thomas Dancenter South

Arts & Culture

From ballet, tap, and jazz to hip hop, ballroom, swing, and more, Robert Thomas Dancenter South brings professional instructors and small…

319 S 17th St

“From ballet, tap, and jazz to hip hop, ballroom, swing, and more, Robert Thomas Dancenter South brings professional instructors and small classes to every level, kids to adults, so you can actually improve, make friends, and have fun doing it this week.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 14, 2026

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