Butter cow sculpture at the Smithsonian, surrounded by visitors.

Iowa’s Butter Cow Goes to Washington: A State Fair Icon at the Smithsonian

October 11, 2024

Iowa's beloved butter cow, a staple of the Iowa State Fair for decades, is set to make its debut at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. This iconic sculpture, crafted by artist Sarah Pratt, will be featured in a yearlong exhibit titled "The State Fair and American Craft," coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Key Takeaways

The butter cow will be part of a yearlong exhibit at the Smithsonian from August 2025 to August 2026.
The exhibit will celebrate the history and cultural significance of state fairs across the U.S.
Sculptor Sarah Pratt will create a new butter cow sculpture with her daughters for the exhibit.

A Historic Debut

The announcement was made by Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons during the Iowa State Fair Board's first meeting since this year's record-breaking event, which attracted 1.18 million visitors. The exhibit at the Renwick Gallery will showcase various handmade crafts and curiosities from different states and Native American tribes, highlighting their contributions to American art.

Pratt, who has been sculpting the butter cow since 2006, expressed her excitement about the opportunity. "It's a huge honor to be a part of this," she said, reflecting on the significance of having her work displayed in one of the nation's most prestigious museums.

The Crafting Process

Creating the new butter cow will present unique challenges. Pratt plans to work with her twin daughters, Grace and Hannah, to sculpt the piece in July 2025. The sculpture will need to be kept at a cooler temperature during the crafting process and preserved throughout the exhibit's duration.

Pratt has been in discussions with museum representatives since they visited the Iowa State Fair in 2023 and 2024. She noted that while she has experience working with recycled butter, the new sculpture will likely require fresh butter, which poses additional logistical challenges.

A Legacy of Butter Sculpting

The butter cow has a rich history at the Iowa State Fair, with Pratt being the fifth sculptor to take on this iconic task. The tradition began in 1911 with J.K. Daniels, followed by several other artists, including the renowned Norma “Duffy” Lyon, who mentored Pratt for 15 years before she became the lead sculptor.

Looking Ahead

The Iowa State Fair in August 2026 will also commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, with plans for special events organized by the Iowa Historical Society. As Pratt prepares for her monumental task at the Smithsonian, she looks forward to returning to Iowa to create another butter cow for the fair, continuing a cherished tradition that has delighted fairgoers for generations.

The butter cow's journey to the Smithsonian not only highlights Iowa's agricultural heritage but also underscores the cultural significance of state fairs in shaping regional identities across the United States. As the exhibit approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a remarkable celebration of American craft and creativity.