Columbiasouthern gem

Just blocks from the State Capitol building in the heart of downtown Columbia sits the Columbia Museum of Art, a must-stop for every art lover. Nearly 6,000 objects of European and American fine and decorative art are displayed inside its walls, spanning centuries of creativity that you can view in a single afternoon. Collections include masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods, pieces by noted furniture and silver artists, as well as a variety of modern and contemporary art from present times. You’ll recognize names like Claude Monet, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Sandro Botticelli and will learn about other famous artists as well. This museum is truly a place to soak in the culture of Columbia, offering not only beautiful art but changing exhibits, lectures, films and concerts year-round. The museum also stays open until 8pm on the first Friday of every month.