Year: 2026

Putnam Palooza 2026

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Putnam’s Community Block Party 2026!

Plan to join us for our second annual Putnam Palooza, presented by Arconic! Putnam Palooza ’26 will be filled with community partners, cultural performances, live music, food trucks, crafts, family friendly activities, bubble & foam parties and so much more!

Saturday, May 9 2026
10 am – 5 pm: Family Activities and Museum Access 
5:00 pm – 9 pm: Putnam Palooza After Dark

$12 Adults | $10 Youth/Seniors/Military  |  Members are FREE!
(Daytime and Evening are ticketed separately)
Includes most activities and museum admission

$20 All-Day Pass (Includes Daytime and Evening Activities)

Daytime Highlights

  • ACS Chemistry for Kids Demo
  • Storytelling with Larry Lockwood
  • Ballet Quad Cities
  • …and more surprises to come!

After Dark Concerts

  • Mountain Swallower
  • Chrash
  • Wicked Liz and the Bellyswirls

Food Truck Lineup

  • Kawi Coffee
  • Flavor Train
  • The Full Nelson
  • QC Waffles

Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor!

Arconic

Additional Support from

Ascentra Credit Union
SSAB
Putnam Museum Guild

Artifacts & Archives: Episode 2

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Black Hawk Treaty and the LeClaires

What put Antoine and Marguerite LeClaire in the right place at the right time to be an instrumental part of the Black Hawk Treaty signing in Davenport in 1832? What led to the treaty signing and what were its lasting effects?

Listen to Episode 2

Episode Resources

Views expressed during this podcast belong to the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the Davenport Public Library or the Putnam Museum & Science Center. Hosts attempt to use historically accurate language and racial terminology set forth by the Smithsonian Institute. We are committed to intellectual honesty and scholarly integrity in presenting information and objects described in this podcast. 

Kaleidoscope Odyssey

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Enter a World of Reflection!

Now Open Through September 7!

Step inside a dazzling world of color, light, and reflection with Kaleidoscope Odyssey, a vibrant new immersive exhibit in our featured exhibit gallery.

Featuring more than 24 large‑scale kaleidoscopes by world‑renowned artist and Davenport native Tom Chouteau, this one‑of‑a‑kind experience celebrates the intersection of art, science, and optics. Guests of all ages are invited to explore towering, walk‑up kaleidoscopes filled with intricate patterns, flowers, stained glass, textures, and light, often weaving visitors’ own reflections into ever‑changing designs.

Through hands‑on exploration, you’ll discover how mirrors, symmetry, and light work together to create mesmerizing visual effects. The exhibit encourages curiosity, play, and experimentation, surrounding guests in a vibrant visual landscape that feels both whimsical and wonder‑filled.

An Artist in Residence. Creating in Real Time

As the Putnam Museum and Science Center’s first‑ever Artist in Residence, Tom Chouteau will actively create new work inside the exhibit throughout its run. Visitors can watch the artist at work, ask questions, and learn firsthand about his creative process and the stories behind each piece. This behind‑the‑scenes approach transforms Kaleidoscope Odyssey into a living exhibit, one that evolves and grows over time.

“The process is my favorite part of making art,” says Chouteau. “Each kaleidoscope feels completely unique, almost like a friend. The experience is curious, playful, and full of discovery, like stepping into an Alice in Wonderland world.”

Plan Your Visit

Kaleidoscope Odyssey is included with regular museum admission. Artist‑led workshops and special programs will be offered throughout the exhibit’s run.

South Lawn Pollinator Garden

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Explore the Putnam South Lawn

Step onto the South Lawn and immerse yourself in a living landscape filled with native plants, pollinators, and the rich ecology of Iowa’s historic prairies. Along the hillside path, engaging interpretive signs invite you to discover the habitats, insects, and wildlife that call this hillside home—and share simple ways you can help protect them.

Learn how native bees power our ecosystems, why prairie grasses grow roots that reach astonishing depths, and how these resilient species have shaped our region for millennia. Whether you’re here for a quiet walk, hands‑on learning, or inspiration from nature, the South Lawn offers a beautiful, enriching outdoor experience for all ages.

Tour the South Lawn

Introduction
Birds
Mushrooms & Decomposition
Monarch Butterflies
Oak Savannas
Pollinators
Prairie Grasses
Woodlawn The Putnam Family

Summer Camps

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Fun and Learning at the Museum!

The Putnam Education department offers a diverse selection of full day, and half day camps for kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. Our camps are designed to provide a fun and educational experience for your child.

From exploring science and technology to discovering the world of art and culture, our camps are the perfect way to keep your child engaged and entertained while school is out of session.

Each camp is led by experienced educators and includes hands-on activities, games, and experiments. Plan to give your child an experience they’ll never forget!

Become A Putnam Museum Member
For A Discount On Camp Admission!

 

Full Day Camps are from 9am – 4pm
for students going into Grades 4 – 6. 
 
Half Day Camps are from 9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm
for students going into Grades 1 – 3. 
Additional Half Day Camp Care is available from 12pm – 1pm. 

Pre- K & K Camps are from 10am – 12 pm. 

2026 Full Day Camps

Half-Day Camps

Pre-K & K Camps

 

Questions? 

Email education@putnam.org or call 563-336-7290

REFUND POLICY

In case of cancellations, you must notify us of your cancellation at least two weeks before the first day of the program to receive a 50% refund.

Private Tour Reservation Form

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Private Tour Reservation

Fill out this form to start the reservation process for your private tour! Please note that Exhibit Tours with the Curators can accommodate up to 12 guests, and Behind-The-Scenes Tours can accommodate up to 8 guests.

Private Tour Reservation Form
Group Organizer
Group Organizer
First Name
Last Name
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Arrival Time

Private Tours

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Go Beyond the Exhibit Labels

Discover the Putnam Museum and Science Center like never before. We are excited to offer private tours designed to give you and your group an unforgettable, behind‑the‑scenes experience. Whether you’re planning a group or family outing, corporate retreat, or a special gathering with friends, our private tours provide a more intimate way to explore our galleries, exhibits, and collections.

We offer multiple tour formats to match different interests, group sizes, and timeframes. Please review the full list of options below to find the experience that best fits your needs. Our team is happy to help you select or tailor a tour that makes your visit exceptional.

Private Tour Options

Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Putnam Collection

Experience the Putnam like never before with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Venture into the rarely seen rooms where over 250,000 artifacts live when they’re not on display. Get an exclusive peek behind the locked doors! Led by our expert Curatorial team, your group will journey through five extraordinary storerooms, each packed with treasures, surprises, and stories waiting to be uncovered. This is your chance to stand inches away from remarkable, seldom-seen objects and learn about them from the people who know the collection best. 

Because these spaces are not public and densely packed with history, we keep the experience exclusive: groups are limited to 8 guests led by two curators, ensuring an up-close, immersive, and carefully guided hour-long adventure. Please note that narrow aisles and some stairs mean this tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or provide seating. Guests should be prepared to walk and stand for the full duration of the tour. Additionally, the vast historical scope of our collection means you may encounter artifacts that reflect challenging or offensive ideas from the past. 

To protect these irreplaceable items, touching is not allowed unless a curator gives explicit permission. Any guest who cannot follow this rule may be asked to leave the tour. 

The behind-the-scenes tours are offered to guests ages 14 and up. 

The cost of this exclusive experience is $200, plus a discounted group admission rate of $10 per guest.

Get ready for an unforgettable deep dive into the heart of the museum’s collection! 

Start Your Reservation!

Exhibit Tours with the Putnam Museum Curators

*Currently we are not offering curator-led tours of The Vault, as it is still in progress.

Learn firsthand from our Curators at the Putnam Museum and Science Center! Join our curators for an exclusive 30-minute, insider-guided exploration of one of our permanent exhibits on a tour designed to be personal, enriching, and unforgettable. Discover the stories behind the displays, dive deeper into the science and history they reveal, and hear fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes straight from the experts who brought them to life. 

All permanent exhibits are wheelchair accessible, and most feature seating options throughout. If your group needs specific accommodation, just let us know. Our team is happy to recommend the exhibit that best suits your needs. 

Perfect for groups of up to 12 guests, this experience is ideal for teens and adults who love to learn, explore, and be inspired. 

The permanent exhibits that are available for curator led tours include*: 

The cost is $100 for the guided tour, plus a discounted group admission rate of $10 per guest.

Get ready for a deeper, more immersive museum adventure! 

Start Your Reservation!

Docent-Led Tours of the Exhibits

Coming Soon! 

The Putnam Museum and Science Center is recruiting docents to offer tours at lower or no extra cost for guests of all ages! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a docent at the Putnam, please visit this page. 

Looking For Something More Hands-On or For Kids?

Check out our educational activities and offerings here! 

Spring Camps

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Get Ready For Spring Break Fun!

Looking for a fun, hands-on way to keep kids learning during spring break? The Putnam’s Spring Break Camps are packed with discovery, creativity, and adventure! From playful Pre-K and Kindergarten experiences to engaging camps for grades 1–2 and 3–5, there’s something for every young explorer.

Prehistoric Preschool

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Stomp, Chomp, and Roar!

 In Prehistoric Preschool, little paleontologists explore the world of dinosaurs through fossil investigations, dino-themed crafts, and dramatic play. Campers may even receive a surprise visit from Duncan, the Putnam’s resident dinosaur! 

August 3 – 7
Two Hour Camp  |  10am – 12pm
Pre-K & K

Adults must accompany youth.

Preschool Summer Camps are $100 per week, members receive 20% off. 

SIGN UP
Contact Molly Franklin at mfranklin@putnam.org or (563) 336-7290 with any questions.


You can find other summer camp programs at the Putnam here.

Violins of Hope

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Connecting Hearts Through Strings of Memory

Violins of Hope Iowa has arrived at the Putnam, offering visitors the rare opportunity to encounter instruments that survived the Holocaust and the powerful personal stories connected to each one. The Putnam Museum and Science Center will be displaying 6 violins as part of this statewide project.

Violins of Hope Iowa features part of a remarkable collection of 67 restored violins once played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, this exhibition, across the state of Iowa, invites reflection on memory, resilience, and the enduring power of music.

The Violins of Hope residency, spanning March through April across Iowa, unites museums, orchestras, educators, and cultural organizations to preserve history and spark meaningful conversations about resilience, tolerance, and human dignity. This internationally acclaimed project has touched audiences around the world—and now, Iowans can experience its impact firsthand.

Violins of Hope Display

At the Putnam, guests are invited to see the 12 violins we have on display in our Grand Lobby and read the moving stories connected to each instrument. These violins are more than artifacts, they are voices from the past, restored so their stories can continue to be heard.

To learn more about the violins on display at the Putnam and explore the full Iowa residency, Click Here.

In Partnership with:
Ballet Quad Cities
Danville Station
Figge Museum
German American Heritage Center
Jewish Federation of Des Moines
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities
Missing Voices
Pear Advertising
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Sioux City Annual Tolerance Week
Sioux City Symphony
Violins Of Hope

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