Wilbur D. May Museum & Arboretum | Reno

Information

Landmark: Wilbur D. May Museum & Arboretum
City: Reno
Country: USA Nevada
Continent: North America

Wilbur D. May Museum & Arboretum, Reno, USA Nevada, North America

The MSU University Museum is an educational institution located on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed within the historic McArthur Hall, a three-story brick building constructed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The exterior features red brick, white stone accents, arched windows, and a prominent central entrance. The interior exhibits are displayed in climate-controlled galleries with neutral wall colors and professional lighting systems.

Location & Access Logistics

The MSU University Museum is situated at 100 McArthur Hall, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762. It is located on the western side of the university campus, approximately 1.5 miles west of downtown Starkville. Parking is available in designated visitor lots adjacent to McArthur Hall, accessible from College Drive. The Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit (SMART) bus system provides public transportation to the university campus, with stops near McArthur Hall.

Historical & Ecological Origin

McArthur Hall was constructed in 1907 and originally served as the university's agricultural building. It was designed by architect William S. Hull. The building was later renovated and repurposed to house the MSU University Museum, which focuses on the natural history and cultural heritage of Mississippi.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore permanent exhibits on Mississippi's paleontology, including dinosaur fossils, and its diverse ecosystems. Temporary exhibitions featuring art, history, and science are also presented. Educational programs and workshops are offered periodically.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited seating is provided in exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong on the university campus. No on-site food vendors are present; dining options are available at various locations across the MSU campus and in downtown Starkville.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is best visited during weekday business hours for optimal viewing conditions and access to staff assistance. The months of April, May, September, and October offer pleasant outdoor weather for travel to Starkville.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact within the museum's collection is a fossilized skeleton of a Mosasaur, a large marine reptile that inhabited the waters of Mississippi millions of years ago. The museum also houses a significant collection of Mississippi pottery, showcasing the artistic traditions of the region's indigenous peoples.