Collections

The Museum of Art and Archaeology contains objects from a wide range of cultures. The collection of Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern art works and artifacts is especially strong, and there are significant holdings from ancient Egypt and Byzantium. In addition, the Museum has important collections in European and American art from the fifteenth century to the present, including a Samuel H. Kress Study Collection of European paintings. Asian, African, Ancient Americas, and Oceanic cultures are also well represented.

Our museum features works from diverse aesthetic and cultural origins encompassing over 6,000 years of human history on six continents. Our growing collection of more than 16,000 objects represents a wide range of materials used in the creation of art. We present our collections in exhibitions and programming as well as serve as a hub for research and exploration of art. For objects where rights are held by the Museum or not currently defended by the artist or estate (i.e., no rights claim advance or claims have expired, the Museum of Art and Archaeology will allow download at any applicable resolution based on a Creative Commons CC-BY-SA-NC license. So, start exploring!

Search the Collection

The following images are examples by category of the artwork found in the entire collection that may be viewed online.

A Nautilus cup, peeled lemon, and a meat pie with a roemer and other wine glasses on a partially draped table
Recent Acquisitions
Portrait Bust of the Emperor Hadrian as Diomedes
Antiquities Collection
Prints and Drawings
Prints and Drawings
Thomas Hart Benton
Paintings Collection
Gold Medallion with Imitation Solidus in Center
Byzantine Collection
Stele Showing Surya Surrounded by the Other Eleven Adityas and Flanked by Attendants and Wives
Asian Collection
Figurine of a Colima Dog
Ancient Americas Collection
Silver Tetradrachm of Lysimachos
Ancient Coins Collection
A piece of work from our African collection
African Collection

Appraising Artwork

Ethical and legal considerations prohibit Museum of Art and Archaeology staff from appraising or authenticating works of art for the public. Museum curators and registrars may not provide information on monetary value or physical condition of works of art.

The national organizations cited below can provide information on professionals in the area who do provide appraisals:

  • American Society of Appraisers: appraisers.org, 703-478-2228
  • Appraisers Association of America, appraisersassoc.org, 212-889-5404
  • Art Dealers Association of America, artdealers.org, 212-488-5550
  • International Society of Appraisers, isa-appraisers.org, 206-241-0359

Address:
Mizzou North
115 Business Loop 70 West
Online Contact Form
Phone: 573-882-3591

Hours:
Museum Galleries are CLOSED.
The Museum is preparing to move to a new location at the lower east level of Ellis Library in the center of the MU campus.
Reopening date is as yet unknown. It is hope that the galleries will be open by Spring/Summer 2022.

"I still remember the feeling of awe and disbelief when I was alone and walked in the room with those casts." --Ruth Tofle, chair of architecture, winner of the 2013 distinguished faculty award from the MU Alumni Association