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The Columbia Museum of Art

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vampirefan
vampirefan
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Editor Pick

The Columbia Museum of Art

  • July 3, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
The Columbia Museum of Art



I love a good museum and could spend hours in one. John on the other hand isn’t a huge fan of museums so it is often like trying to drag a kid into one unless there are guns and weapons involved. But when mummies came into the picture, I was able to get John to agree to go away for the weekend.

I have always loved history, even as a child. When we lived in England we went into London on several occasions and I was always fascinated by the mummy exhibit. Ancient Egypt has always longed fascinated me and I was very anxious to spend a weekend away with my husband and see this fascinating exhibit.

The exhibit contains over 200 rare objects from the collection of archeologist William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853-1942). The exhibit started in February 07 at the Mt. Holyoke Museum and continues until June 2009 with the last recipients being the nice folks at the University of Kentucky Art Museum in Lexington Ky.

The exhibit contains over 200 objects and includes some rare and unique items. Here you will find the worlds oldest garment, a rare beaded dress from 2400 BC, part of the first history book (also from the same time period), some of the earliest examples of Egyptian metal and glass work, the oldest blueprint written on papyrus, as well as the first royal monument from the reign of the legendary Scorpion King from 3100 BC (note though, unfortunately nothing with Dwayne Johnson in a skimpy costume like the movie of the same name).

Here you will find items from royalty to ordinary people. There are items from everyday to items reserved to ceremonies from the elite. Here you can marvel at jewelry, cosmetics, games, weights, weapons, canopic jars, and funery objects. Of course you will find magnificent gold items such as jewelry and masks. There is papyrus text from the Book of the Dead. You will find coffins with colors as bright as the day the unfortunate soul was placed in them. There is royal art from Akhenaten and Nefertitri. Be wowed by the bust of Caesarion, who was the son of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Enjoy a rare depiction of Khufu, who was the pharaoh and builder of the great pyramids. This delightful collection is a must see for anyone who loves ancient Egypt.

Columbia Museum of Art

The lucky folks in Columbia have a great many things to be proud of, including their world class art museum. The museum has an amazing collection that includes the beautiful and timeless works from Tiffany, old masters and new legends, sculptures, and here you will find Seine at Giverny by my favorite artists….Monet. If you read my Columbia….More than a Historical City journal you can read all about this amazing museum.

The museum its self is outstanding and certainly shouldn’t be missed to anyone who is in town. If you are visiting check to see what will be at the museum while you’re in town. This museum also has some amazing traveling exhibits. Last year I was lucky enough to see a collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. And there are some amazing exhibits soon to come. From September to November make sure to come by and see the intricate and beautiful work from the glass master, Dale Chihuly. Then from March to June 2009 come by and checkout Turner to Cezanne which is making it US debut. It includes 53 masterpieces from Turner, Cezanne, Whistler, and yeah for me…Monet!

Hours/admission/info

Hours: Wed/Thu/Sat 10 am to 5 pm….Fri 10 am to 9 pm…..Sun 1-5 pm. Closed Mon and Tue and holidays.

Admission: $5 (a)…$4 (s)…$2 (c). Some exhibits may carry an additional fee. Saturday is free day!

Website: www.columbiamuseum.org.

Should you be lucky enough to have this amazing exhibit coming to your town, make sure you get by to see it. It is truly remarkable to see such things of beauty that have survived for thousands of years and which still have a hold of our imagination as much as they did all those years ago.

And should you happen to find yourself in Columbia, you should really take the time to make sure to see this amazing museum. Or just do like John and I did, and come here to see the museum.


From journal My Weekend with the Dead!!

Editor Pick

The Columbia Museum of Art

  • March 23, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
The Columbia Museum of Art

Like I stated in my overview, you don’t have to travel to places such as NYC or London to see a great art museum. In this case, you can just come to Columbia. The museum is the largest international fine art museum in South Carolina and one of the largest in the South East.

The museum houses one of the most sizable collections of 14th through 18th century European art. Visitors to the museum can admire a rare fresco by Botticelli. They can also take in works from Francesco Guardi, Canaletto, Francois Boucher, and Pieter Claesz, just to name a few. One of the highlights of the 19th century collection is from Monet at Giverny. The American artist works includes pieces by Thomas Sully and Gilbert Stuart. There is also a beautiful group of Tiffany glass here. Modern masters include the talents of Milton Avery, Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, Fairfield Porter, and Sandy Skoglund. There is also an assemblage of glass works by Marioni and one of my favorite, Chihuly. Here visitors will delight in amazing paintings, centuries old sculptures, pottery, and decorative items.

The museum covers 2 floors. Most of the collection is displayed in the second level. The main level hosts a number of changing exhibits and special exhibits, such as the Frank Lloyd Write exhibit I saw while I was here. Here are also artist studios, education galleries, the library, a teacher’s resource center, the garden terrace and secret garden, and the museum shop. The museum is also a great place for your next meeting, conference, or event. They do have restrooms and the building is handicapped accessible. Photography is allowed without the flash or use of a tripod.

Hours/admission/information

Hours: Wed-Sat. 10am-5pm
Fri. 10 am to 9pm (10am-5pm in Dec.)
Sun. 1-5pm.
Closed Mon. and Tue. And major holidays.

Admission; $5 (a) $ 4 (60+) $2 (c/s) free on Saturday! Some special exhibits may carry an admission.

Website: www.columbiamuseum.org.

Throughout the year the do offer a number of classes and lectures. They can also arrange group tours with advanced notice.

Up next? They have several wonderful upcoming exhibits but my favorite is the Renoir exhibit April 25-October 1st!

The museum is a great outing for everyone in the family. If you’re near Columbia you must stop in and see this amazing museum.

From journal Columbia... More than a Historical Capital

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