The Iowa State Fair has a long rich history in the State of Iowa. Several years ago the fair was looking for ways to display that heritage in a much more interactive way than through simply displaying artifacts. The Iowa State Fair Museum was developed as a complement to the already existing historic farm house/museum and the historic Pioneer Hall at the top of a hill on the eastern side of the grounds.
From the exterior the building is constructed out of very simple materials – white painted lap siding, and shingle roofing. However, once inside the building takes on an unexpected appearance – high trussed wood ceilings, polished concrete flooring, and light painted walls. This together creates a wonderful experience and sensational interactive backdrop to tell the story of the history of the Iowa State Fair.