International Quilt Study Center & Museum In Lincoln Nebraska

The International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska is a one-of-a-kind museum that houses the largest publicly held collection of quilts in the world. The museum’s collection includes over 6,000 quilts from around the globe, dating from the 1700s to the present day. But how did this museum come to be?

The museum was founded in 1997 as the American Quilt Study Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of quilts. The organization was founded by a group of quilt enthusiasts who recognized the importance of quilts as a form of art and cultural expression. The group quickly grew in membership and began to amass a collection of quilts from around the world.

In 2008, the American Quilt Study Group changed its name to the International Quilt Study Center & Museum to better reflect the global nature of its collection. The museum opened its doors to the public in 2008 in a brand new, purpose-built facility on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

The museum’s collection is organized into four main categories: antique quilts, international quilts, contemporary quilts, and Nebraska quilts. The antique quilts collection includes quilts from the 1700s to the early 20th century and represents a variety of styles and techniques from around the world. The international quilts collection includes quilts from over 50 countries and showcases the diversity and richness of quilting traditions around the globe. The contemporary quilts collection features works by contemporary quilt artists who are pushing the boundaries of the medium. Finally, the Nebraska quilts collection showcases the unique quilting traditions and history of the state of Nebraska.

One of the most unique aspects of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum is its dedication to scholarship and research. The museum’s staff and researchers are actively engaged in the study of quilts, and the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs throughout the year. The museum is also home to a world-renowned conservation lab, where staff members work to preserve and restore antique quilts.

In addition to its permanent collection, the International Quilt Study Center & Museum also hosts a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions showcase works by contemporary quilt artists, explore the history of quilting, and highlight different aspects of the museum’s collection.

Today, the International Quilt Study Center & Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in quilting, art, or cultural history. Its world-class collection and dedication to research and scholarship make it one of the most unique museums in the country. If you’re ever in Lincoln, Nebraska, be sure to add a visit to the International Quilt Study Center & Museum to your itinerary.

Overall, the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska is a testament to the importance of quilts as a form of art and cultural expression. Its collection of over 6,000 quilts from around the world is a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike, and its dedication to scholarship and education ensures that the art of quilting will be celebrated and preserved for generations to come.