The Pearl Button Museum

Muscatine, IA

In the heart of the Midwest lies the Pearl Button Capitol of the World—Muscatine, Iowa. The ready access to freshwater mussels is an important part of the story, but even more so are the vision, innovation, and hard work of its people.

Split Rock Studios designed and built exhibits for the updated museum. Interactive displays and audio-visual programs allow visitors to explore the process of creating pearl buttons. Numerous walk-through immersive environments, including a simulated factory with oral histories, tell the story of industry and the people of Muscatine.

The exhibit was an NAI Best Interior Exhibit Media award winner in 2007.