Things to do in
Billings
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Moss Mansion
Historic House and Museum was
designed by the famous New York Architect Henry Hardenbergh, who
also designed the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel & Plaza, Willard
Hotel and Copley Hotel. This elegant, turn of the century, red
stoned mansion was the residence of one of Billings most prominent
residents Preston B. Moss who moved to Billings from Paris,
Missouri. Preston along with his wife, their six children and
three servants lived here until 1984. This beautiful house has 28
rooms and rises 45 feet into the air. The Mansion is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. As visitors step
back into history with a one hour guided tour of the Moss Mansion
Historic House Museum. Your tour reflects early turn of the
century life as the Moss family lived it. Visitors have the
opportunity to see original fixtures, draperies, furniture,
artifacts and beautiful Persian carpets. The Moss
Mansion Historic House Museum offers several special events
throughout the year including Fall tours and special Holiday tours
from the months of November-January the Mansion will be decorated
with beautiful Christmas trees truly a stunning event.
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Yellowstone Art Museum
Showcases Western and Contemporary
art from nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. the
Yellowstone Museum is the largest Museum in the area. This
fabulous Museum features both Historic and Contemporary Rocky
Mountain related art pieces. During 1984 the Museum received a
large grant along with generous donations from private individuals,
the Yellowstone Art Museum began to build their permanent
collection. The Montana collection represents the best of
Western art representing today's West. Today the Yellowstone
Art Museum houses over 3,000 items in their permanent collection.
Highlights of the Yellowstone Museum include the Virginia Snook
Collection- this is the largest public collection of drawings,
books, paintings and memorabilia of the famous cowboy illustrator
Will James (1892-1942). The Virginia Snook Collection also
includes paintings and drawings by other historic regional artists
including Joseph Henry Sharp, Charles M. Russell and several others.
Also featured in the museum is the Old County Prison a portion of it
was preserved when it was converted into a museum in 1964. The
Yellowstone Museum offers a variety of classes and events year round
for adults and children of all ages. The Museum also displays
art work of local students in the Young Artist's Gallery. The
entire family will enjoy a trip to the Yellowstone Art Museum this
is a great place to learn and understand a piece of Montana History.
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The Western Heritage
Center Museum
Is located in Downtown Billings in
the former Parmly Billings Memorial Library built in 1901. The
Western Heritage Center is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and is accredited by the American Association of
Museums and is also an Affiliate of The Smithsonian Institution.
The Western Heritage Center Museum houses a large collection
of over 16,000 artifacts including over 1,000 photographs
representing the history, life and culture of the Yellowstone River
Valley. The Western Heritage Center Museum estimates 22,000 people
visit yearly to see this stunning Museum and its changing gallery
exhibits, among an estimated 53% of our visitors are from right here
in Montana. A newly opened permanent exhibit- The American
Indian Tribal Histories Project here visitors will learn about the
history of Montana's Native American tribes through tribal flags,
maps and a understanding of their symbols. This exhibit also
shares the oral history of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribal
members whose mission is to preserve and maintain the history and
cultures of the Native American tribes. If you are visiting
Billings for the first time, you will enjoy a visit to The Western
Heritage Center Museum. Even if you have been to Billings
several times and you haven't visited the Museum, it should be top
on your list for your next visit to Billings.
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