A WORLD-CLASS SHOWCASE OF ART

Posted: 10.25.2010 at 4:26 PM

The mission of the Columbia Museum of Art is “to inspire, educate and enrich the lives of the community, South Carolinians, tourists and visitors by collecting and preserving fine and decorative art from around the world, exhibiting highly regarded work from a broad range of cultures and providing dynamic educational and cultural programs,” according to its website.

The museum was founded in 1950 at the historic Taylor House at Bull and Senate streets. In 1998 it moved to its current location on Main Street, and is renowned for its collection of American and European artwork spanning hundreds of years.

A by-the-numbers look at the Columbia Museum of Art, based on its website:

9,700,000: Estimated economic impact, in dollars, of the museum within the community

80,000: Dollar amount the museum generates annually in hospitality and tourism tax revenues

20,000-plus: Square footage of gallery space

7,000-plus: Objects in the museum’s collection

6,250-plus: Monthly visitors to the museum

160: Approximate number of jobs the museum supports in the Columbia area

25: Number of museum galleries

Contact the Columbia Museum of Art at (803) 799-2810, or visit www.columbiamuseum.org for more information.