Springfield boasts a wide range of cultural, scientific and artistic history which is showcased in its numerous, award-winning museums. These museums offer a unique insight not only to Springrfield’s role in history and culture, but also to the world around us.
Whether you're a die-hard history buff, a science nerd, or simply looking for a way to entertain the kids on holiday, you’ll find something for everyone right here.
In this article, we’ll highlight the best museums in Springfield, along with what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Let's get into it!
Image Source: Springfield Art Museum
The art museum has an impressive collection of artworks, including watercolor art. The museum is known for featuring some of the best contemporary water art in the country. Whilst other popular artwork includes ceramic artists, which Southwest Missouri is known for.
Other works exhibited include American art from the 18th century to the present day. Some of the most famous artists showcased include Andy Warhol and Thomas Hart Benton.
The permanent collection also includes the popular Breath, Light, and Distance exhibition, which showcases cloudscapes and highlights how psychology and science influence our understanding of nature and art.
The Art Gallery Museum also has youth classes, adult classes, and various events, such as the Art in Bloom, which is an event celebrating the beauty of fine art, flowers, and fashion. Keep an eye out for these on their website.
Making the most of the Springfield Art Gallery requires knowing what to expect, and doing a little bit of planning.
Image Source: Missouri Institute of Natural Science
As the name suggests, the museum has a focus on natural history, showcasing an impressive collection of fossils, geological artifacts and other interactive exhibits. If you’re a fossil nerd, or have an interest in the natural world, you’ll love this museum.
The museum's most beloved artifact is the triceratops skeleton, which was found in Wyoming, and is proudly showcased in the museum. There is also a large section showcasing different minerals and other geological wonders
The museum is not only great for adults, but makes a fun outing for children too. For example, kids are able to hunt for fossils themselves in the nearby boulders, and take them home.
In order to make the most of your trip to the natural history museum, there are a few tips that can help you plan your day here:
Image Source: Air & Military Museum Ozarks
The air and military museum is a patriotic museum which is dedicated to showcasing the world of aviation, and other military history. The museum is great for history buffs, or those with a love for aircrafts and vehicles.
In the museum, you’ll find an impressive collection of war relics from WWII, the Korean and Vietnam War, for example. These include uniforms, medals, photographs and personal accounts of the war from veterans past, and present.
Some of the most impressive exhibits include the F84-F THUNDERSTREAK aircraft, the AH1-S COBRA HELICOPTER and the Radio plane OQ-2A which proudly hangs over the museum.
Image Source: Discovery Center
The discovery center Springfield is an award-winning science museum, which has many hands-on exhibits and is great for all age ranges.
The museum aims to foster a curiosity about science and the world around us. In this museum, you can walk through a giant eyeball, dig for dinosaurs, and board a real aircraft.
There is currently a Jurassic Discovery exhibition which showcases the enormous Tyrannosaurus rex as well as the long-necked Elasmosaurus as it swims through Jurassic times.
For children there are many workshops and interactive events available. Rooms can even be rented for birthdays. As for adults, Night At The Museum promises a great, adults-only night out at the museum that promises to come to life.
Museums in Springfield are cultural treasures that are made to be explored and adored.
If you are visiting Springfield or are a local in the area, it can be a good idea to make a personalized itinerary based on your own interests. With numerous museums in the area, there is no need to compromise when it comes to planning your perfect museum day.
As for events, many of the museums have events and special exhibits on, which are worth looking into before you visit.
