Art Collection

View of the Gallery

The Society holds one of the largest collection of paintings by George Caleb Bingham, including, Order No. 11. The Thomas Hart Benton Collection contains the Year of Peril series, lithographs and other works. Many other Missouri artists, both past and present, are well represented in the Society's holdings.

The Society's extensive editorial cartoon collection includes original drawings by Daniel Fitzpatrick, S. J. Ray, Bill Mauldin, Don Hesse, Tom Engelhardt, and others.


Exhibits

The Main Gallery and Corridor Galleries feature rotating exhibits, with selected paintings by George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Hart Benton on permanent display.


Main Gallery

Missouri Farmyard by Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton in the 1930s

April 12 through August 9

Main Gallery

During the 1930s, Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton became a leading figure in the regionalist movement, emerging as one of America’s best-known artists. This exhibition examines Benton’s artwork from the decade, with a focus on lithographs and drawings that reflect his aesthetic and political ideas while providing insight into America’s social climate during the Great Depression.

North-South Corridor Gallery

Student Life, circa 1912: The University of Missouri   School of Journalism Scrapbooks

Student Life, circa 1912: The University of Missouri School of Journalism Scrapbooks

May 10 through August 2

See the playful antics of students in the first graduating class of the University of Missouri School of Journalism (1909-1912). This exhibition of scrapbook images reveals university life, both on and off campus, as students attended class, lived in dormitories, participated in athletics and homecoming activities, and brought their own brand of fun to special events.


Traveling Exhibit

Panel from exhibit

Objects Worthy of Notice: The Wildlife Encountered by the Corps of Discovery

This exhibit presents a look at the rich diversity of wildlife observed by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their 1804-1806 expedition through the newly acquired and relatively uncharted Louisiana Territory. Under instructions from President Thomas Jefferson to record “objects worthy of notice,” the naturalist-explorers scientifically documented 122 new species and expanded knowledge about many others. The elegant and detailed work of naturalists John James Audubon, John Woodson Audubon, and Charles W. Schwartz illustrate engaging excerpts from the explorers' journals.

Online

Main Street, Missouri

A photographic slideshow of images from the 19th and early 20th century.


Hours

The Main Gallery is free and open to the public.

New Hours Effective September 2, 2008

Monday Closed (open by appointment only)
Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Holidays and special events Closed

Until then the hours remain:

Monday Closed (open by appointment only)
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Holidays and special events Closed

The Corridor Galleries are open during regular business hours.

Check our list of scheduled closings before planning a visit to the galleries. The Society is ADA accessible.

Art Reproductions

Reproductions of Bingham's paintings, Order No. 11 and Watching the Cargo are now available.

Tours

Organizations and school groups can schedule tours of the Main Gallery by contacting the Society at (573)882-7083.