The Alton
Museum of History and Art was founded in 1971 to preserve the rich heritage of
Alton’s past. Through a variety of exhibits visitors can discover the people,
places, and events that helped shaped the city of Alton and its neighbors. The museum
is housed at two locations. The first is Loomis Hall (photo above) and is the
oldest building in the State of Illinois that has been continuously dedicated to
education. Founded in 1832 by the Baptist Church, the building became part of Shurtleff College and then the dental school of Southern Illinois University of
Edwardsville.
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 There
are several exhibit spaces on the first floor of Loomis Hall. The Wadlow Room
pays tribute to one of Alton’s most cherished citizen’s – Alton’s Gentle
Giant, Robert Pershing Wadlow, the tallest man on
record. The interactive exhibit is a favorite with visitors of all ages and is
the only exhibit approved and supported by the Wadlow family. A life size statue
of Wadlow is located just across the street (photo right.)
The Pioneer
Room explores history from the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the end of the Civil
War. The early nineteenth century found Alton at the center of national events
with the assassination of Elijah Lovejoy, the final Lincoln-Douglas
debate, and the establishment of the Underground Railroad. Through the
museum’s collection of art and artifacts the visitor will feel the
impact of this pivotal time in American history.
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 The
Grace Monroe Classroom is dedicated to education but is also used as an art
gallery where fine art of diverse media is on display. Images and objects
presented by local and regional artists range from abstract to realism and
reflect the rich multi-cultural heritage of the Riverbend region. Special
exhibits organized by artists such as the annual ArtEast show are permitted from
time to time.
Additional
exhibits on the second floor include a small river room filled with memorabilia
of the Eagle Packet Company, Streckfus Steamers and other boats. Included is the
ornate cash register from the Eagle Boat Store, the engine room bell from the
Streckfus steamer, Captain Buck Leyhe´s cap and megaphone and more. The
stairway to the second floor is dedicated to the local legend of the Piasa
Bird.
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| The first floor is handicap accessible for
the Wadlow Exhibit, the Pioneer Room, the Grace Monroe Classroom, and the Gift Shop. The Koenig
House, located at 829 E. Fourth Street, is the museum’s second facility. |
Visiting the Alton Museum of History
and Art
Visiting Hours
Wednesdays - Saturdays: 10 am - 4 pm
Please call in advance to
confirm that the museum is open
Admission:
Adults: $3.00 - Children: $1.00
Directions: The Alton Museum of History and Art is located at 2809
College Avenue. Coming from Missouri over the Clark Bridge
turn
right and get in left lane. Turn left at the stop light. This will take you
into Broadway. Go to the traffic light on Washington, turn left and go to
College Ave. Take a
right on College Avenue and go approximately 3 blocks to the museum. From
IL-3 North: Exit at the College Avenue (IL-140) exit and travel west
approximately eight blocks to the museum. There is limited parking in back
of the museum and parking on the street.
Visit the greatriverroad.com
art trail section for more art
related attractions and events in the Middle Mississippi River Valley.
 Learn more about the Alton
area.
altonmuseum.com
- Official site of the Alton Museum of History and Art
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