The best arts & culture spots in Boone County

If your week needs a creative kick, Dancearts of Columbia has classes for ages two through adult across ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and more.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 25, 2026

With a Route 66 exhibition in the Wenneker Gallery, The State Historical Society of Missouri Center for Missouri Studies blends art shows with deep dive research collections like newspapers, maps, oral histories, and a reference library, perfect for a quick culture recharge between errands.

From the Columbia newsletter, November 3, 2026

Fall 2026 registration is open at CoMotion Dance, where tiny dancers, beginners, and go-getters training for competition all find a home. Snag your spot this week and look forward to Spirit Week, costume classes, and a December holiday performance before spring sessions kick in.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 28, 2026

Columbia classic Perlman-Stoy School Of Ballet has been inspiring dancers since 1933, and with Nancy Stoy now focusing on adult classes, it’s your sign to build strength, flexibility, and musicality while rediscovering your posture... and maybe your inner swan. Treat yourself to the barre this week.

From the Columbia newsletter, September 27, 2026

Columbia Dance Academy turns beginners and seasoned twirlers into confident performers, with classes spanning Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap & Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tumbling & Acro, Musical Theatre, and even Beginning Adult Movement.

From the Columbia newsletter, October 14, 2026

From Tall & Small for tiny dancers to Creative Dance for ages 3 to 6 and Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro/Tumbling, Musical Theater, Pom, and Hip Hop for ages 7+, Elevate Motion Studio keeps Columbia kids moving, building confidence, and happily wiped out. Your living room gets fewer cartwheels, you get your sanity back.

From the Columbia newsletter, October 6, 2026

Whether you're after a creative outlet or chasing big stage dreams, Columbia Performing Arts Centre pairs top instructors with an environment that actually encourages creative freedom.

From the Columbia newsletter, October 3, 2026

Museum of Art and Archaeology holds more than 16,000 objects from six continents spanning five millennia, with galleries that actually make you want to linger, then surprises you with things like the Art-o-Mat mini masterpieces and Midday Music at the museum. Swing by when your brain needs a smart reset.

From the Columbia newsletter, October 9, 2026

Dance Expressions Studio keeps Columbia moving with classes for every age and level, from tiny dancers to adults, across ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, and more. Whether you're aiming for the competition team or just want a joyful weekly sweat, their supportive vibe makes sticking with it easy.

From the Columbia newsletter, October 20, 2026

From Native American artifacts and pioneer life exhibits to a surprisingly massive archery collection, the Museum of Anthropology is a low-key gem for curious Columbia locals.

From the Columbia newsletter, October 27, 2026