Columbia Museum of Art and Car Rentals in Columbia
Located in Columbia, South Carolina on 1515 Main Street, the Columbia Museum of Art Columbia is home to an impressive collection of European and American fine and decorative art pieces, some of them several centuries old. What the museum lacks in size it makes up for in its permanent collection. Additionally, the Columbia Museum of Art regularly hosts several national exhibits.
When it all began...
The Columbia Museum of Art was officially opened to the public on March 23, 1950. Back then, the museum was located on Bull and Senate Streets in the historic Taylor House which was built in 1908. The museum featured several exhibits including art, natural history, science and a planetarium. Throughout the 1950's and the 1960's the museum was Columbia's premier cultural institution.
New additions
The museums art collection grew largely due to the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art from the Kress Foundation of New York. However, as new additions were being made to the museum collection it was becoming clear that with the combination of the expensive care of the museums building and the cramped space, the Columbia Museum of Art would need a new home. A downtown site was proposed, where the building of Macy's Department Store once was. This move was supported by the business community for the chance to attract new visitors downtown and increase the property values. Designed by George Sexton Associates of Washington, D.C., the exhibition galleries are definitely a sight to see with your car rentals in Columbia.
Taking a look at history
The museum has a Renaissance and Baroque collection, a gift from the Samuel Kress Foundation, which features Old Master paintings, many of which were commissioned by churches in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries. Nativity scenes, Madonna and Child paintings, and scenes from the Old and New Testaments are featured in the museum's upstairs galleries. The museum also has a large and rare Nativity fresco transferred to canvas by Sandro Botticelli, a pre-eminent Florentine Renaissance artist.
Seeing what the world once was
Also in the museum's permanent collection are Claude Monet's The Seine at Giverny and art glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The decorative arts holdings at the museum number around 3,000 objects, ranging in date primarily between the 17th and 20th centuries. Some Asian objects in the Turner Collection date back to the Tang Dynasty. Holdings include silver, Chinese export porcelain, contemporary art glass, American furniture, textiles and sculpture.
Getting everyone involved
From Art School classes for teens and adults, to programs specially designed for preschool children, people of all ages can find classes and workshops that inspire and enrich. For those visitors interested in lifelong learning, they can attend lectures, gallery talks and films. Music is also a part of the Museum's offerings. Drop by and listen in during the museum's music series with your car rentals in Columbia. School programs, including home school programs are some of the best in the area.
Before you go...
The Columbia Museum of Art is open from Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed every Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. A key tip for planning a visit to the Columbia Art Museum with your car rentals in Columbia is that it is free to visit on Saturdays. This includes admission to any special exhibit that may be there at the time.
For more information on the Columbia Museum of Art when you travel with your car rentals in Columbia check out their official website at www.columbiamuseum.org/ or call 803 799 2810.
