Exhibits

Bringing the World to Ste. Genevieve

In one of Ste. Genevieve’s most iconic buildings in the town square, the James Gang rides again, dinosaurs prowl the galleries, ancient cultures whisper their secrets, and our city’s unique history unfolds before your eyes. The Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center is not your traditional hometown museum. Our diverse, world-class collection of artifacts and memorabilia rivals that of large museums, putting you in the front seat for an incredible adventure. The moment you step inside, you will travel back millions of years. The Darrough’s collections and Lost World Studios’ exhibits that are on loan will bring delight to visitors browsing through the museum’s galleries of life-size dinosaurs and fossils, ancient cultures and historical artifacts. Centuries of history donated by local residents are displayed in the Ste Genevieve Gallery. The artifacts and memorabilia bring the memories of this town on the Mississippi River to life.

Hall of Giants

Your adventure starts in the Hall of Giants where you’ll come face-to-face with dinosaurs that ruled Earth 65 million years ago, including those that roamed the very ground where you’re standing. From the high-flying Quetzacoatalus to the terrifying T-Rex, the eight life-sized models, created by Guy Darrough and Lost World Studios, will give you a rare glimpse into the lives of these massive and majestic creatures. In addition, you can learn more about our prehistoric past through the Museum’s collection of geological specimens and fossils.

Ancient Cultures Gallery

Step inside the Ancient Cultures wing and step back in time to explore the world’s early civilizations. Welcoming you on your journey is an exact replica of an ancient Maya mask still in existence today in Belize. While here, you’ll also see a dazzling collection of jewelry and tools, learn about cultural practices of the Vikings, Scythians and Celts, and piece together a day in the life of the Mississippian culture. View authentic artifacts from the stone, copper, bronze, and iron ages as well as ancient Chinese martial arts weaponry.

Focus Gallery

Our unique Focus Gallery features an egg exhibit with actual fossilized dinosaur eggs, shells from our undersea friends, and the egg incubator prop used in the movie “Jurassic Park III.” A crystal radio display shows the magic of one of the first forms of radio communication, giving insight into its simplicity and its impact on life as we know it today.

The Missouri Dinosaur Gallery

The Missouri Dinosaur story has taken a number of twists and turns since its bones were first unearthed in 1942 just 30 minutes from Ste. Genevieve. You’ll learn the details of the discovery of this new species and the mysteries that are finally coming to light. In addition, the Museum features a lab where you can view scientific studies being conducted on dinosaur bones and real fossils.

Great Gallery

The vintage collection allows you to travel through time to learn all about our society. Explore a variety of agricultural and mining tools, inventions, and shipwreck relic artifacts. Discover more about Native American culture, frontier life and wartime in the U.S. Marvel at the beauty of numerous geologic specimens from fulgurites to meteorite fragments.

Ste. Genevieve Gallery

Through a rich assortment of antiquities and memorabilia donated by local residents, the Ste. Genevieve Gallery tells the stories of those who called our region home. This highlight on local history features the Ste. Genevieve river transfer boat, artwork from diorama artist Lewis Pruneau, artifacts from the World War II Weingarten POW Camp, religious items, antique guns, a bank safe robbed by the Jesse James Gang, items from the historic Plank Road, and much more! The treasures of Ste. Genevieve will leave a lasting impression long after your visit.