The most Unique historic community in Central Illinois.
Jacksonville was a beacon of education and service in the early history of the United States, and that shining history still exists in our community today. The museum was established in the 1980s, and moved to its new home in the old Jacksonville Post Office in 2021. The beautiful federal-style structure is the perfect location to showcase our ever-growing collection to tell our community’s compelling stories.
The Museum is also the home of the MacMurray College archive collection, which is on long-term loan from the MacMurray Foundation for preservation, display and interpretation.
We invite you to visit the Jacksonville Area Museum, and start your journey of discovery of West Central Illinois.
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THE MUSEUM IS UNDERTAKING AN EXPANSION FROM MAY 2024 THRU DECEMBER 2025.
THE MUSEUM SHOULD REMAIN OPEN DURING THIS TIME,
BUT SOME EXHIBITS AND GALLERIES MAY CLOSE OR CHANGE WITH SHORT NOTICE.
ACCESSIBILITY MAY BE LIMITED DURING THIS TIME.
PLEASE CALL (217) 408-1197 WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
RECENT & ONGOING EXHIBITS
Illinois State Hospital
The history of Jacksonville and West-Central Illinois is intertwined with the many institutions that contributed to the character and development of our communities. The Illinois State Hospital was one the leading institutions, and existed as a ‘city within a city’ on the southern border of Jacksonville. This new exhibit explores the places, people, and new approach to caring for people in our state. This exhibit is currently on display on an open-ended run at the museum.
Nice Threads! The History of J. Capps & Sons, Ltd.
Learn more about this new exhibit on Jacksonville’s notable clothing manufacturer. This exhibit is currently on display on an open-ended run at the museum.
News
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Lego Exhibit Seeking Submissions
“Building with Brick – The Art of Lego” exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum is seeking submissions of area Lego artists. The exhibit will run from December 4, 2024 – February 28, 2025. This third-annual exhibit features original and Lego kit creations from all ages and skill levels. Prizes based on public voting will be…
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Illinois State Hospital Exhibit Opens April 6, 2024
A new exhibit featuring the history of the Jacksonville Developmental Center will officially open to the public on Saturday, April 6 at the Jacksonville Area Museum in downtown Jacksonville. The state-operated Jacksonville Developmental Center opened as the Illinois State Hospital and Asylum for the Insane in 1851 and for more than a century was one…
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Museum closed March 3-16, 2024
The Museum will be closed temporarily from March 3 – March 16, 2024 for maintenance.The museum will reoepen on March 17, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience, and plan to see you soon at the museum!