History
The building had several incarnations before it became a museum. Burr Keeler, President of the Mason City Brick and Tile Company built the original structure in 1920-21. In 1932, the house was sold to the Duffield family, who lived in it for a time. From 1948 to 1965, the Presentation Sisters of St. Joseph's Catholic Church occupied the residence. In 1966 the building was open to the public in its current capacity, as the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum.
Specialties
A North Iowa cultural treasure, the museum includes a permanent collection of American art, the famous Bil Baird puppets, and an impressive range of ceramics. Genuinely an active center for the Arts, the museum offers changing exhibits, films, studio classes, special events, and a museum shop.