The William R and Clarice V Spurlock Museum

Initially, I wanted to visit the Krannert Art Museum; I was very interested to know that they held some art nouveau and modern pieces. When I checked their site I learned they were closed for renovations until August 21. Yet I’d read about the Spurlock Museum so, I ventured out and enjoyed the weather. The summer months in Illinois should be titled «YOLO» because the cold weather comes about so easily, live it up! First, I love the location; smack dab on campus and within walking distance of some very delicious eateries– it’s a foodie paradise. Second, I love the open air feel that the museum fosters, everything isn’t everywhere and the galleries are well planned and follow a sequence; well done museum curator! This is the main reason I so enjoyed the museum. There was an exhibit similar to a four corners style, that gave you an overview of history on a global perspective, experiences, living, growing and dreams. This laid the outline for what awaits in each exhibit. Each one has a very distinctive story to tell. I highly enjoyed the Ancient Greece exhibit, The African Culture and Civilization exhibit, The Eastern Asian exhibit and the Egyptian Exhibit (hidden towards the back). To tell you the truth I enjoyed them all, how we live, function and thrive in society is so important and these are our ancestrial beginnings; from the beginnings of our earth to the way we live in society– history has influenced all of it, for better or worse. The exhibit envoked not only an emotional response but also a sense of belonging– knowing that though not all of this history is my own, but that it has influenced my life frame and the lives of others. This exhibit was perfect and artistic because I left with a sense of question and understanding and like art left me in absolute amazement. Great museum, gotta grab my sister!

Landmark Review:
A random day during this winter I found out that it were museums located in Champaign Illinois. These are all associated with the University and this is no different. It is sort of a private collection of the University. Although here’s many of the displays don’t change that you have featured pieces. Surprisingly there is significant security that work at this museum and they make sure that you don’t touch anything. Overall I was still impressed that such a small town would have their own museum. It would take about an hour to go through all of the displays. Is very eclectic mix of paintings sculptures and other artwork. I actually enjoyed this museum more than the Museum of contemporary arts in Chicago. Please check out some of the photos of the display and visit this hidden gem if you have time
Hidden deals:
It is sort of free with a suggested donation.

This is my favorite museum in Chambana. While small — it’s got a lot to look at. I live to take my kids there — they have a bingo game that the kids can do — they get to learn and let me look at the exhibits! Because it’s small — don’t expect a lot of turnaround on the exhibits changing. Only some of them change… but that’s okay with me. I love the atmosphere — it’s never horribly crowded — and the exhibits are genuinely interesting. Very much like a smaller, big-​city museum.

So I went back to visit Spurlock with a friend recently… and after three or so years, found that absolutely nothing had changed! All the exhibits were exactly the same, and coming back… it really wasn’t that spectacular. Then again, when you’re used to the museums downtown Chicago, it’s kind of like comparing apples and oranges.
A way to kill some time, but probably not worth coming back more than once or twice.

I know I’m kind of a presumptuous dick, but I didn’t expect such a cool museum to exist outside of a major city. I spent an inordinate amount of time in this museum because it excited the Anthropology nerd in me. The museum is conveniently laid out by continent/​region. They have amazing amounts of ancient artifacts with great explanations laid out for you to read. Granted, my experience was a bit tainted by about 4 different elementary and middle school groups wandering around, being loud and obnoxious, but still. I learned so much! It was good times. Plus, they had a huge, hanging Barong Ket from Bali. That was all sorts of awesome.