100 Years of Collecting at the Figge Art Museum
100 Years of Collecting at the Figge Art Museum
Davenport, Iowa (September 9, 2025) – For 100 years, collectors and donors have helped shape the Figge Art Museum’s collection, turning it into a cultural hub for the Quad Cities and beyond. Beginning September 13, the Figge presents 100 Years of Collecting, an exhibition celebrating the gifts that have made the museum what it is today.
The Figge’s story started in 1925, when former Davenport mayor Charles August Ficke donated 334 works of art to create the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, which later became the Figge Art Museum. In the years that followed, gifts from C.T. Lindley, Clara L. Brandt, and Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Adler strengthened the collection, especially in American art.
In the 1960s, Dr. Walter E. Neiswanger’s donation helped establish the Figge as a leading center for Haitian art. More recently, gifts of photography from Brent Sikkema and a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary works from Linda and J. Randolph Lewis have shaped the museum’s character and kept it relevant for future generations.
“Each gift tells a story, not only about the art itself but also about the people who believed in building a museum for this community,” said Figge Executive Director Melissa Mohr. “This exhibition is a celebration of their vision and generosity”
100 Years of Collecting celebrates the museum’s most important gifts, featuring a mix of American, Haitian, Spanish Colonial, and contemporary art that together illustrate a century of collecting and community support.
“We’ve been part of this community for nearly 40 years, and it means so much to give back in this way,” said Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis. “Knowing these works will remain at the Figge, enriching its collection and inspiring families and future generations, makes this gift a lasting legacy we are proud to leave behind.”
The celebration doesn’t stop with the exhibition. In honor of the Figge’s 100 years of collecting, the museum is inviting community members to take part in the Adopt an Artwork initiative. By adopting a work of art featured in the exhibition, donors have the unique opportunity to connect with a piece of history while helping sustain the Figge’s mission of bringing art and people together. Each adoption supports the care and preservation of the museum’s collection, ensuring these works will be around for many years to come.
“Adopting a work of art is a meaningful way to join the museum’s story,” said Figge Director of Development Sara Morby. “Just as past donors built this collection, today’s supporters help carry it into the future.” Supporting sponsors for this exhibition are Pepsi Cola Bottling of Davenport, The Current Iowa, and Hotel Blackhawk. Contributing sponsors include Bill and Chris Gallin, John Gardner and Cathy Weidman, and TBK Bank.
100 Years of Collecting will be on view through January 11, 2026. For more information on the exhibition or to adopt a work of art, visit figgeartmuseum.org or contact Sara Morby, Director of Development, at 563.345.6637 or smorby@figgeartmuseum.org.
Companion Program: C.A. Ficke and the Birth of a Museum Thursday, October 2, 6:00 p.m. – John Deere Auditorium Historian Dr. William Roba will present on the enduring legacy of C. A. Ficke in Davenport.
About the Figge Art Museum: The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building houses a renowned collection, engaging exhibitions, and community-centered programs. Admission is free on Thursday nights.
The Figge’s story started in 1925, when former Davenport mayor Charles August Ficke donated 334 works of art to create the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, which later became the Figge Art Museum. In the years that followed, gifts from C.T. Lindley, Clara L. Brandt, and Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Adler strengthened the collection, especially in American art.
In the 1960s, Dr. Walter E. Neiswanger’s donation helped establish the Figge as a leading center for Haitian art. More recently, gifts of photography from Brent Sikkema and a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary works from Linda and J. Randolph Lewis have shaped the museum’s character and kept it relevant for future generations.
“Each gift tells a story, not only about the art itself but also about the people who believed in building a museum for this community,” said Figge Executive Director Melissa Mohr. “This exhibition is a celebration of their vision and generosity”
100 Years of Collecting celebrates the museum’s most important gifts, featuring a mix of American, Haitian, Spanish Colonial, and contemporary art that together illustrate a century of collecting and community support.
“We’ve been part of this community for nearly 40 years, and it means so much to give back in this way,” said Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis. “Knowing these works will remain at the Figge, enriching its collection and inspiring families and future generations, makes this gift a lasting legacy we are proud to leave behind.”
The celebration doesn’t stop with the exhibition. In honor of the Figge’s 100 years of collecting, the museum is inviting community members to take part in the Adopt an Artwork initiative. By adopting a work of art featured in the exhibition, donors have the unique opportunity to connect with a piece of history while helping sustain the Figge’s mission of bringing art and people together. Each adoption supports the care and preservation of the museum’s collection, ensuring these works will be around for many years to come.
“Adopting a work of art is a meaningful way to join the museum’s story,” said Figge Director of Development Sara Morby. “Just as past donors built this collection, today’s supporters help carry it into the future.” Supporting sponsors for this exhibition are Pepsi Cola Bottling of Davenport, The Current Iowa, and Hotel Blackhawk. Contributing sponsors include Bill and Chris Gallin, John Gardner and Cathy Weidman, and TBK Bank.
100 Years of Collecting will be on view through January 11, 2026. For more information on the exhibition or to adopt a work of art, visit figgeartmuseum.org or contact Sara Morby, Director of Development, at 563.345.6637 or smorby@figgeartmuseum.org.
Companion Program: C.A. Ficke and the Birth of a Museum Thursday, October 2, 6:00 p.m. – John Deere Auditorium Historian Dr. William Roba will present on the enduring legacy of C. A. Ficke in Davenport.
About the Figge Art Museum: The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building houses a renowned collection, engaging exhibitions, and community-centered programs. Admission is free on Thursday nights.
