Welcome to Iowa City's Community Maker Artist Creative Engineering Learning Space!
What is a "Fab Lab?"
“Fab Lab” is short for “fabrication laboratory.” Originally started at MIT in 2007 by Neil Gershenfield, a “Fab Lab” is a place where anyone in the community can build, create, or invent and bring their projects to life in a supportive environment. Here, we encourage learning and experimenting, surrounded by creative, like-minded individuals.
Fab Labs are a trademark and a brainchild of MIT, and a Fab Lab is really a Maker Space which follows guidelines and pratices set by MIT, in their “Center for Bits and Atoms”. To be a Fab Lab, you must meet certain criteria, and follow the Fab Lab Charter
Free Offerings at the Fab Lab
Currently we have two community open studios ongoing each month:
Fabric Room:
Public Community members can come in for assistance on sewing projects, sublimation projects, and use of our Cricut Maker.
We have multiple Brother sewing machines: we supply the machines and assistance – you bring the materials for your project.
Coaching by Marsha Cheyney, the studio Champion.
Woodshop:
There are multiple kinds of saws, drills, sanders & many other tools in the shop.
Public Community members are welcome to come in to use tools & get assistance with a project.
Get Involved at the Fab Lab!
Located at 870 S Capital St in Iowa City, the FabLab is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community where everyone gets involved! Whether you are a member or a guest we’d love you to join our funky crew!
We are proudly grateful to share your:
We are always happy to work with new volunteers–no matter the shape or size!
If you are interested in making a donation of any form, please click here or on the DONATE link at top of the page.
"I absolutely love this place, the people are incredibly sweet and supportive and helpful. I got to make my own project using tools from the Fab Lab and help from the employees."
"My daughter attended several summer camps at the Fab Lab last summer. She absolutely loved it. There is such a variety of camps to attend depending on your child's interests...The counselors/staff are AMAZING, it's so laid back and fun."
"The best place in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids to make your ideas come to life."
FAQs
Yes! Before getting to use our equipment, we provide free safety/basics training for all members.
You will have access to all our tools, tech, and software when you purchase a membership! We also have limited materials to provide/can be purchased on site (ex: 3D printer filament, clay, fabric, etc).
Access all our tools and equipment, the space itself, and more! See the full list of dos and don’ts here: Why a Membership?
Memberships are monthly at the Fab Lab and range between $50-$100/month on average (with some discounts offered for students, teachers, EMTs/Firefighters, Vets/Active Duty, and Seniors 65+)
If you’d like to use our equipment/space for your own projects, then you will likely need a membership. However, we have free community events and other open house events that happen at least once a month!
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