The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs today announced changes in hours of operation for the State Historical Museum beginning next month, a move that will save money while allowing more time for maintenance and upkeep of museum exhibits.

Museum exhibits will be closed on official state holidays and Mondays. In addition, the Iowa Museum Store will close on official state holidays, Sundays and Mondays; and Café Baratta’s will reduce its hours on Mondays. The changes go into effect July 1, 2009.

“Traditionally, most museums are closed on Mondays so they can do housekeeping and maintenance duties in their exhibit areas,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Cyndi Pederson said. “This change will help us do more to maintain our exhibits while at the same time save tax dollars.”

The State Historical Building houses DCA’s administrative offices and two divisions: the Iowa Arts Council and the State Historical Society of Iowa, which oversees the State Historical Museum, the Iowa Museum Store, State Historical Library and Special Collections, State Archives and Records Program and the State Historic Preservation Office. The building also houses Café Baratta’s and the Iowa Historical Foundation.

DCA, IAC and SHSI offices will continue to be open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and closed on Saturdays, Sundays and official state holidays. The State Historical Library and Archives Reading Room will continue to be open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. It is closed Sundays, Mondays and official state holidays.

Following is a list of new hours of operation:

State Historical Museum
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday and official state holidays

The Iowa Museum Store
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Closed Sunday, Monday and official state holidays

Café Baratta’s
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Monday
Closed Sunday and official state holidays

SHSI previously announced changes in hours of operation at its eight historical sites beginning July 1, 2009. More information is available at iowahistory.org.