Children's Museums
Missouri State Museum
📍 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101🌐 mostateparks.com/historic-site/missouri-state-museum
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–4 PM |
About Missouri State Museum
Historical exhibits at the state capitol. History museum in the state capitol showing Missouri's natural & cultural development. The Missouri State Capitol features Thomas Hart Benton murals from 1936 titled 'A Social History of the State of Missouri,' which were considered scandalous for their realistic depiction of everyday activities like diaper changing and political figures, contrasting with traditional heroic portrayals in other state capitols. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 459 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Location
- Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City
- Highlights
- Capitol tours, Missouri history exhibits, Elizabeth Rozier Gallery with rotating exhibits
- Contact
- 573-751-2854 for tour reservations
💡 Did You Know?
- The Missouri State Capitol features Thomas Hart Benton murals from 1936 titled 'A Social History of the State of Missouri,' which were considered scandalous for their realistic depiction of everyday activities like diaper changing and political figures, contrasting with traditional heroic portrayals in other state capitols
- The Missouri State Museum offers completely free admission to visitors, making it an accessible educational resource for exploring Missouri's natural and cultural history without cost
- The museum is located within the Missouri State Capitol building itself, allowing visitors to view legislative sessions from observation galleries and potentially interact with local legislators
- The Elizabeth Rozier Gallery features changing exhibits on Missouri history, art, and culture, ensuring rotating displays that encourage repeat visits
- The venue hosts backyard concerts as special events, including performances by local and regional artists, combining cultural programming with museum education
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book Capitol tours in advance using the new online reservation system (effective June 1, 2026) or call 573-751-2854, as tours are popular and avoid wait times
- Visit on Friday mornings or weekday mornings to avoid crowds, especially when the legislature is in session during weekdays
- Plan 2-3 hours minimum to fully explore all floors of the Capitol building and museum exhibits; don't rush the Thomas Hart Benton murals and stained glass details
- Take advantage of completely free admission and free Capitol tours—this is a full-day educational experience at no cost, making it excellent for families on a budget
- Request a guided tour to get deeper historical context about Missouri's artifacts and the art throughout the building, as the murals and paintings tell rich stories that self-guided visitors might miss
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