A lot of people who live in Columbia don't take the time to visit our small museums and they are really missing out! This isn't anything amazing or high-tech but it is very interesting. When I went they had a cool collection of old coins. It is especially fun for a yucky day or a winter day. Great for the price (which I think is $4?)
The Museum of Art and Archaeology is on the MU campus and has a surprisingly rounded collection of both art and archaeological treasures dating from before Egypt through modern art. There are focused exhibits that change frequently, a favorite of mine being the exhibit on the watercolor artist Keith Crown who worked a lot in the Taos area. It can be a real delight several times a year since they change the works exhibited. A caution for the near future is that the location will temporarily be moved to the old Ellis Fischel Hospital on Business Loop sometime late 2013 for an indeterminate time for renovation of the present location on the historic north/old campus of the University of Missouri.
Columbia is really lucky to have the Museum of Art & Archaeology. I do feel as though I have seen the same items on display for about 40 years now, but the collections are quite amazing: coins bearing the profile of Julius Caesar, and ancient and modern pieces from around the world. I go there during the holidays for gifts every year; their gift shop is cooler and more extensive than many museums twice their size. The prices are reasonable, too. Also, the Museum has quite a few events great for the inexperienced to become acquainted: cocktail/dinner events, flower arrangements designed to mimic works of art, and so on. I have seen the same tribal fetishes and things all my life, but I really still enjoy taking visitors and my family to the Museum of Art and Archaeology.
Large museum with multiple exhibits. The price is the best you will find... Free. The exhibits rotate so you won't always see the same things.
I LOVE going and hanging out in this museum. They have an excellent collection. Their private collection that is not on display is even more amazing. I highly recommend visiting while you are on campus. This is truly a hidden gem in Columbia, MO and on the Mizzou Campus! I'm a former MU Art Student, so I will warn you, I'm biased.
The museum has an amazingly good collection for its size. There is a hall of statuary and exhibits that span the history of art. There is a cool collection of archeological artifacts as well. It even has a gift shop! It is definitely worth a stop.
This is where I went to school, taught art classes, bought really neat jewelry and go to see new art shows. There are Docents that know what they are talking about. It is right on the MU campus.
This museum provides a view of art and antiquities from many different parts of the world. Of course we go to museums in St. Louis and Kansas City but when you cannot leave town and want to browse among ancient artifacts and art, you can enjoy a satisfying hour or two here.
Elegantly mounted, eclectic displays make this an engaging stop during a walk around this beautiful campus.
One of the first museums that I took my son to many years ago. Still like going and it is an easy short visit.