Center for Missouri Studies Columbia Missouri
Explore Missouri's rich history and captivating art at the Center for Missouri Studies, home to the State Historical Society's archives and a vibrant ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a few hours of quiet exploration.
Center for Missouri Studies Columbia Missouri
Best Time
Enjoy a few hours of quiet exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Missouri's rich history and captivating art at the Center for Missouri Studies, home to the State Historical Society's archives and a vibrant gallery.
"A beautifully designed building with a small art gallery and a wealth of historical resources for genealogy."
Ask the Staff!
Staff members are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through exhibits and research materials. :raised_hand:
Genealogy Goldmine
If you have Missouri roots, this is the place for county histories, maps, and newspapers. :family_tree:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 90 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
shsmo.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
State Historical Society Research Library
Second Floor
Dive into Missouri's past with county histories, old maps, and a vast newspaper collection. Perfect for genealogy enthusiasts!
Art Gallery Exhibits
First Floor
Discover rotating art exhibits, often featuring local artists and themes like 'WILD MISSOURI'. Educational and visually engaging.
Compact Shelving
Manuscript & Reference Collections
See how modern shelving maximizes storage for invaluable manuscript and reference collections. A behind-the-scenes look!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Historical Treasures
Beyond the Archives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask the Staff!
Staff members are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through exhibits and research materials. :raised_hand:
Genealogy Goldmine
If you have Missouri roots, this is the place for county histories, maps, and newspapers. :family_tree:
This is one of the coolest libraries on campus. The Center for Missouri Studies
This is the research library at the State Historical Society of Missouri on Elm Street across from Peace Park in Downtown Columbia. https://shsmo.org
One of the coolest rooms in all of CoMo
This is the research library at the State Historical Society of Missouri on Elm Street across from Peace Park in Downtown Columbia. https://shsmo.org
Art & History Combined
Don't miss the art gallery; exhibits are often enhanced by descriptive language. 🎨
Free Admission
Enjoy the collections and exhibits without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Things to do this summer?
My partner and I are new to Columbia, and in our late twenties. I’m an academic and my partner works remotely 9 to 5. Without classes to keep me busy, what are some things for me to do around town? ETA: Especially interested in things I can do consistently to stay busy on…
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask the Staff!
Staff members are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through exhibits and research materials. :raised_hand:
Genealogy Goldmine
If you have Missouri roots, this is the place for county histories, maps, and newspapers. :family_tree:
Art & History Combined
Don't miss the art gallery; exhibits are often enhanced by descriptive language. 🎨
Free Admission
Enjoy the collections and exhibits without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Modern Storage Solutions
Check out the compact shelving that maximizes space for collections. 📚
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Center for Missouri Studies for its beautifully designed building, clean facilities, and the wealth of historical resources available for genealogy research. The art exhibits are a pleasant bonus, enhanced by knowledgeable and friendly staff who make the experience educational and enjoyable. It's a highly recommended free destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
"This is a beautifully designed building located in a peaceful site inside the Mizzou campus. The interior of the building is also maintained and kept very clean. We liked the small art gallery and loved the spaces on the second floor. Nice place to spend a few hours on Saturdays."
Praghalathan Kanthakumar
"Very nice experience. The photograph exhibit I came for was enhanced by an awesome, knowledge staff member. The works of art were a pleasant bonus as well, definitely going to make a frequent stop on my trips to Columbia."
Marc Leimkuehler
"If you love to do genealogy and you have Missouri roots, you must go here to find your people. Whether its county histories, old county maps and gazetteers or the newspaper collection, you can be swept away in time! I didn't even mention the beautiful art gallery."
Timothy DOLLENS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Center for Missouri Studies is located on Elm Street in Downtown Columbia, across from Peace Park. It's situated on the Mizzou campus, making it accessible by car or public transport. Parking information can usually be found on the Mizzou campus parking website.
As it's on the Mizzou campus, parking availability can vary. It's best to check Mizzou's official parking resources for the most up-to-date information on visitor parking lots and rates.
If you are already in Downtown Columbia or on the Mizzou campus, it is very walkable. It's located in a central area, making it easy to access on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Center for Missouri Studies and its art exhibits is free.
The Center for Missouri Studies is often open on Saturdays and during weekday afternoons. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Yes, the research library is open to the public for those interested in local history and genealogy. Staff are available to assist visitors.
The Center for Missouri Studies frequently hosts rotating art exhibits, such as 'WILD MISSOURI The ART of conservation.' Check their website for current exhibition details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the State Historical Society's research library with its vast collections of county histories, maps, and newspapers, as well as enjoy rotating art gallery exhibits. +1
Absolutely! It's a prime location for anyone with Missouri roots, offering extensive resources like old county maps and newspaper collections.
The art collection is described as small but impactful, with descriptive language accompanying each piece to enhance the viewing experience.
Yes, visitors consistently praise the staff for being knowledgeable, friendly, and excellent guides, especially for art exhibits. +1
The compact shelving is an upgrade that maximizes onsite storage for the manuscript and reference collections, allowing for more items to be housed efficiently.
📸 📷 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibit. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially in the art gallery or research areas.
The art exhibits, particularly those with striking photographs like 'WILD MISSOURI,' offer excellent visual content. The building's design itself is also quite appealing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit