Joplin History and Mineral Museum to reopen February 6

(From the City of Joplin)

Join us on Friday, February 6, at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum’s Grand Reopening for the first look at two new additions and several remodeled and upgraded exhibits. The event begins at 11 a.m. with ribbon cuttings with both the Joplin Area and Carl Junction Chambers of Commerce at the Museum, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave. 

Guests will hear from Museum Director Chris Wiseman, Joplin Historical Society President Kelly Reddin, and Joplin Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg. Light refreshments will be available, including five-cent coffee and root beer. The Museum’s “penny press” will offer four designs: Route 66, Joplin Historical Society, Bonnie and Clyde, and Cookie Cutter. Admission will be free on Friday, February 6.

Museum staff and volunteers worked throughout January to make improvements and add two new areas for guests to enjoy. The first recognizes this year’s Route 66 Centennial celebration, with a unique display depicting the entire route from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. This iconic exhibit also offers information and artifacts related to various spots along the historic highway.

Guests will also enjoy the new audiovisual room created during the remodel. This area features six large screens displaying videos by local high school students, as well as professional and historical content. The museum has hosted several historical video competitions for students and now has an appropriate setting to showcase these.

“We’re excited about these new additions. Route 66 is an incredible part of Joplin’s history, and the A/V room provides the resource to highlight many interesting topics within our area and bring them to life,” said Chris Wiseman, Director of the Museum. “We appreciate the public’s patience during our closure, and we’re certain they’ll also enjoy other upgrades and remodels done in addition to these projects.”

Museum exhibit additions and upgrades include:

A private collection of 1920-1941 pedal cars on display in conjunction with the Route 66 exhibit
A "Fourth and Main" exhibit has been created to include House of Lords and the Connor and Keystone Hotels.
The Crystal Cave exhibit has been updated.

Freshly painted, the Museum also features new graphics and signage throughout the exhibits, new graphics behind some of the mineral cases, and an updated lobby to make entering the building and visiting the gift shop easier.

The museum will reopen on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors and military; and children ages 12 and under are free. For more information, call 417-623-1180, ext. 8.