University of Mississippi Museum | Oxford MS

The University of Mississippi Museum in Oxford is one of the most unexpected cultural treasures in the state - a museum that combines classical antiquities, Southern folk art, regional history, and modern exhibitions under one roof. Housed just off University Avenue near the campus, it has a quiet academic feel but with collections that surprise first-time visitors with their breadth and depth.

Origins and Growth

The museum traces its roots back to 1939, when the Mary Buie Museum opened to house the personal art collection and estate of Mary Skipwith Buie, an Oxford native, artist, and philanthropist. She had studied at Newcomb College and the Art Students League in New York and left her art and funds to the city for a cultural institution.

In 1974, the museum and its growing collection came under the care of the University of Mississippi. Over the years it expanded, incorporating both the Mary Buie Museum and the adjoining Confederate Memorial Hall, eventually becoming the University of Mississippi Museum we know today.

Collections

Greek and Roman Antiquities

One of the museum’s most distinguished holdings is its David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities. Robinson, a classical archaeologist and Ole Miss professor, bequeathed his extensive collection in the 1960s. It includes over 2,000 objects:

Greek pottery, including red- and black-figure vases.

Roman sculptures and portrait busts.

Coins, terracotta figurines, and architectural fragments.
This collection places Oxford on the map as a serious center for classical studies, rivaling much larger institutions.

American Art and Regional Artists

The museum has a strong representation of 19th- and 20th-century American art, with works by Thomas Hart Benton, Theora Hamblett, and other regional painters.

Theora Hamblett, an Oxford native, is one of Mississippi’s most beloved folk artists. Her bright, dreamlike paintings of visions, childhood memories, and religious imagery form one of the highlights of the museum.

Scientific and Historical Artifacts

Because of its origins in the Mary Buie Museum, the collection also includes scientific instruments, geological specimens, Civil War memorabilia, and decorative arts - a blend that gives it the eclectic, cabinet-of-curiosities atmosphere.

Modern and Temporary Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts contemporary art shows, traveling exhibits, and student-focused projects. This rotation keeps it dynamic and relevant to the community and university alike.

Buildings and Atmosphere

The museum complex includes:

Mary Buie Building (the original core, with period charm).

1939 Addition, housing parts of the Robinson Antiquities.

Moreton Wing, a modern expansion that accommodates larger exhibitions and installations.

The atmosphere inside is intimate rather than overwhelming. Rooms are thoughtfully arranged, with clear labels, natural lighting, and a sense of scholarly quiet. Visitors often remark that they can linger without feeling rushed - a rarity compared to larger urban museums.

Connections to Rowan Oak

A special feature of the museum is its stewardship of Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s home. Visitors to the museum can combine their trip with a walk through Bailey Woods Trail, a short wooded path connecting the museum grounds directly to Rowan Oak. This link between art, history, and literature is one of Oxford’s most rewarding cultural experiences.

Community Role

The University of Mississippi Museum is not just for scholars - it plays an active role in community education.

It offers children’s programs, art workshops, and outreach activities.

University students often use it as a resource for research and as a quiet study space.

Local events and lectures give it a role as Oxford’s cultural living room, much like Square Books does for literature.

Visiting Experience

The museum is located at University Avenue and Fifth Street, easily reached from the Square or campus. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Hours are generally Tuesday through Saturday, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring Rowan Oak, the campus, or Oxford’s downtown.

A visit often unfolds slowly: you start with ancient amphorae and marble busts, drift into folk paintings that capture Mississippi’s landscapes, pause before a Civil War uniform, and end with a modern installation. That variety is part of its charm - the feeling of stepping through time, culture, and perspective without ever leaving Oxford.

Closing Impression

The University of Mississippi Museum is a place where the global and the local meet - where Greek vases stand alongside Mississippi folk art, and where the story of William Faulkner connects directly to the campus and community. For a small town in north Mississippi, the museum offers a cultural experience that feels both world-class and deeply rooted in place.