The Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio served as the artist?s residence from 1939 until he passed away in 1975. Today, many of his artworks continue to be in display at the main house. The carriage house, which Benton had converted into an art studio in his lifetime, is also open to the public and has been left in the exact position the artist had left his belongings, with his collection of paints and paintbrushes on display and a blank canvas waiting for a painting that would never come to be.

The historic site, which happens to be the smallest park of the state as well, welcomes approximately 4,000 visitors every year. It?s a remarkable figure, considering how the park only covers 1/3 acre of grounds. Tours offered by the museum?s staff take about forty-five minutes to complete.

Benton is one of the most respected American artists in history. He completed his first mural ? which had a locomotive as its subject ? at the tender age of six. His other works may be seen in the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Joplin?s City Hall, and the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.