Mission Statement

The Museum of Art and Archaeology advances understanding of our artistic and cultural heritage through research, collection and interpretation. We help students, scholars and the broader community to experience authentic and significant art and artifacts firsthand and to place them in meaningful contexts. We further this mission by preserving, enhancing and providing access to the collections for the benefit of present and future generations.

Governance

The Museum of Art & Archaeology is part of the University of Missouri College of Arts and Science. The Museum Director reports directly to the dean of the college. The Dean reports to the Provost of the University of Missouri's campus, who in turn reports to the Chancellor of the university. The Chancellor heads the University of Missouri's flagship campus at Columbia, Missouri, generally known as Mizzou, and reports to the President of the University of Missouri System, and to the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri.

The Director is assisted by three advisory and support groups. The Museum Associates is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded to support the Museum and its mission. It includes more than 300 members, and organizes a series of events to raise funds to support museum programs and fund museum acquisitions. For information regarding the activities of the Associates, or to become a member, see the Museum Associates.

The Museum Advisory Council is an advisory group of University faculty and community representatives that provide counsel and guidance to the Museum on a wide range of issues, and serve as liaisons between the Museum and its various stakeholders and constituencies. A subcommittee of the Advisory Council reviews objects recommended for acquisition if the cost is above a particular sum, currently $15,000.

The Museum Advisory Council of Students (MACS) helps organize and present special events, artists' talks, and tours, and assists in notifying faculty, staff, and students of upcoming exhibitions and events. MACS serves as an advisory group to the Museum staff, and meets monthly at the Museum for lively discussions of how the Museum is perceived, how to engage more students, and imaginative ways that the Museum could be serving the campus.