List of museums in Missouri facts for kids
Missouri is home to many amazing museums! These are special places where people collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about history, art, science, or culture. Museums let you see these collections and learn new things. They are great for exploring and discovering the past and present.
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Explore Missouri's Cool Museums
Missouri has all kinds of museums. You can find places that show off old houses, amazing art, or even dinosaur bones! Let's look at some of the exciting museums you can visit.
Step Back in Time: History Museums
History museums help us understand what life was like long ago.
Presidential History: Harry S. Truman Museums
In Independence, you can visit several places connected to President Harry S Truman. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum holds many important papers and items from his time as the 33rd President of the United States. You can also see his home from 1919 until he passed away in 1972. It's like stepping into his life!
Famous Authors: Mark Twain's Homes
If you love books, you might enjoy learning about Mark Twain, the famous author. In Florida, you can see the small, two-room cabin where he was born. In Hannibal, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum shows you where he grew up. This complex includes his childhood home and other historic buildings that inspired his stories.
Pioneer Life: Missouri Town 1855
Imagine life in the 1800s! Missouri Town 1855 in Lee's Summit is an outdoor museum. It has 30 acres of old buildings that show what life was like before the Civil War. You can see how people lived, worked, and played back then.
Westward Journeys: National Frontier Trails Museum
The National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence tells the story of America's famous western trails. These include the Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and California Trail. You can learn about the brave pioneers who traveled across the country.
African American History: George Washington Carver National Monument
Near Diamond, the George Washington Carver National Monument is a park and museum. It's the boyhood home of George Washington Carver, a brilliant scientist. You can learn about his life and amazing contributions to agriculture.
Amazing Art and Creativity Museums
Art museums display beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other creative works.
Art for Everyone: Springfield Art Museum
The Springfield Art Museum in Springfield has a wide collection of American art. You can see paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and prints from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. It's a great place to see different styles of art.
Outdoor Art: Laumeier Sculpture Park
In Sunset Hills, Laumeier Sculpture Park is a huge outdoor museum. It has over 70 sculptures spread across 105 acres. You can walk around and discover giant, unique artworks in nature.
Contemporary Art: Daum Museum of Contemporary Art
The Daum Museum of Contemporary Art in Sedalia focuses on modern art. It's a place to see exciting and new artistic ideas.
Science and Nature Museums for Curious Minds
These museums help you understand the world around us, from animals to dinosaurs.
Hands-On Science: Discovery Center of Springfield
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a fantastic place for hands-on science. It has many interactive exhibits where you can experiment and learn by doing. It's perfect for curious kids!
Wildlife Wonders: America's Wildlife Museum & Aquarium
In Springfield, the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium is now known as America's Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. It's a huge place dedicated to natural history and wildlife. You can explore amazing exhibits about animals and their habitats.
Dinosaur Fun: Branson Dinosaur Museum
If you love dinosaurs, the Branson Dinosaur Museum in Branson is a must-see. It features life-size dinosaur figures, real skeletons, and fossils. It's like a journey back to prehistoric times!
Geology Rocks: Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology
The Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology in Rolla is all about rocks, minerals, and fossils. You can see mammoth tusks and learn about Missouri's geological past. It's operated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Unique and Fun Museums
Some museums are truly one-of-a-kind!
Hair Art: Leila's Hair Museum
In Independence, Leila's Hair Museum has a very unusual collection. It displays wreaths and jewelry made from human hair, mostly from before 1900. It's a fascinating look at a unique art form from the past.
Toyland: World's Largest Toy Museum
The World's Largest Toy Museum in Branson boasts over a million toys! You can see toys from different eras and even visit the Harold Bell Wright Museum, which is part of it. It's a paradise for toy lovers.
Puppet Fun: Puppetry Arts Institute
The Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence has a puppet theater and museum. You can see hand puppets and marionettes and learn about the art of puppetry.
Sports Heroes: Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
In Springfield, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame celebrates Missouri athletes. It has memorabilia and interactive displays about the state's sports heroes.
Military History: John B Mahaffey Museum Complex
At Fort Leonard Wood, the John B Mahaffey Museum Complex has several military museums. These include the US Army Chemical Corps Museum, US Army Engineer Museum, and US Army Military Police Museum. You can learn about different parts of the military.
See also
- Nature Centers in Missouri
