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Steamboat Arabia Museum and its collection

Steamboat Arabia Museum
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The Arabia Steamboat Museum, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a unique historical institution that houses a vast collection of artifacts recovered from the Arabia, a steamboat that tragically sank in the Missouri River in 1856. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the everyday items that were onboard the steamboat when it sank.

Multimedia Experience at the Museum

Upon entering the Arabia Steamboat Museum, visitors are greeted with a series of four 5-minute videos that narrate the history of the Arabia's sinking and subsequent excavation. Additionally, a 14-minute film titled 'The Fall and Rise of the Steamboat Arabia' can be viewed in the museum's theater, providing a more in-depth look into the steamboat's history.

Exploring the Full-Scale Reproduction of the Arabia's Main Deck

One of the highlights of the Arabia Steamboat Museum is the opportunity to walk along a 171-foot-long full-scale reproduction of the Arabia's main deck. Here, visitors can view archival footage of the excavation process, learn more about the steamboat's history, and see original components of the ship such as the boilers, engine, and anchor. A skeleton of a mule, which was also recovered from the ship, is also on display.

The Museum's Extensive Collection

The Arabia Steamboat Museum's collection is a testament to life on the frontier in the mid-19th century. It comprises hundreds of thousands of items, including more than 4,000 boots and shoes, 247 hats, 235 ax heads, 29 jars of pickles, 328 pocket knives, and even a children's doll. These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past, offering a unique insight into the daily life of the era.

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ENArabia Steamboat Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Archaeology Historic house Industrial heritage Maritime Person & Artist

#4 History & Anthropology in Kansas City #1 Science & Technology in Kansas City #3 Historic houses in Kansas City #2 Industrial & heritage museums in Kansas City #2 Person & artist museums in Kansas City #12 History & Anthropology in Missouri #4 Science & Technology in Missouri #1 Archaeology museums in Missouri #13 Historic houses in Missouri #6 Industrial & heritage museums in Missouri #2 Maritime museums in Missouri #6 Person & artist museums in Missouri #115 Archaeology museums in United States #139 Industrial & heritage museums in United States #110 Maritime museums in United States

#4 History & Anthropology in Kansas City #1 Science & Technology in Kansas City #3 Historic houses in Kansas City #2 Industrial & heritage museums in Kansas City #2 Person & artist museums in Kansas City #12 History & Anthropology in Missouri #4 Science & Technology in Missouri #1 Archaeology museums in Missouri #13 Historic houses in Missouri #6 Industrial & heritage museums in Missouri #2 Maritime museums in Missouri #6 Person & artist museums in Missouri #115 Archaeology museums in United States #139 Industrial & heritage museums in United States #110 Maritime museums in United States

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Steamboat Arabia Museum
Grand Boulevard 400
MO 64106 Kansas City
Missouri

Images of Steamboat Arabia Museum

Visitor information Steamboat Arabia Museum

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
12:00 – 17:00

Admission

0 – 3Free
4 – 14US$6.50
15 – 59US$16.50
60+US$15.50

Groups rates: (20 or more) – $14.50
School groups (K – 12) – $6.50
Elementary & Middle school Interactive – call for details
(tax ID number required for student tour rates)

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Steamboat Arabia Museum.

Location & Map

Grand Boulevard 400, Kansas City

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Steamboat Arabia Museum have been found.

Steamboat Arabia Museum Reviews

Steamboat Arabia Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City offers visitors a captivating look into 19th-century frontier life through its extensive collection of preserved artifacts from the sunken steamboat Arabia. Discovered in 1988 and excavated from beneath a Kansas cornfield, the museum showcases thousands of well-preserved items that were bound for frontier settlements.

    Many visitors appreciate the museum's detailed exhibits, which include clothing, tools, dishware, and even preserved food items from the 1856 shipwreck. The quality of preservation and the sheer volume of artifacts on display often impresses guests. The museum's layout allows for an immersive experience, effectively telling the story of westward expansion and life along the Missouri River.

    The guided tours receive positive feedback, with knowledgeable staff providing engaging narratives about the steamboat's history, its excavation, and the significance of the recovered items. However, some visitors mention that the self-guided option could benefit from more detailed signage or audio guides.

    While most find the admission price reasonable given the unique nature of the exhibits, a few visitors feel it's slightly high. The gift shop is generally well-regarded, offering themed souvenirs and books related to the steamboat era.

    The museum's location in the City Market area is convenient for many, though parking can sometimes be challenging during busy periods. Some visitors note that the museum may not hold the interest of younger children for extended periods, but it's generally considered engaging for history enthusiasts and adults.

    Overall, the Steamboat Arabia Museum provides a distinctive and educational experience, offering a well-preserved snapshot of frontier life that sets it apart from many other historical museums.

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