A new exhibition at the Watkins Museum will explore the infamous KU Jayhawks and Mizzou Tigers sports rivalry, which stretches back well more than a century.
The exhibit will examine the history of these neighboring states through the lens of the pageantry and iconic figures involved in this athletic rivalry.
“I grew up near Kansas City and remember watching the iconic football and basketball showdowns between KU and MU in the late 2000s and early 2010s,” said Watkins Curator of Exhibitions Andrew Stockmann. “The history between the two schools feels personal for so many in our area. I am thrilled to present a local sports exhibition that dives into the passion and iconic players, coaches, and moments behind this nationally famous rivalry.”
The “Jayhawks vs. Tigers” exhibition will be on display in the changing exhibit gallery on the third floor of the museum from Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, through Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Museumgoers will get to see a game program from 1896 from the Watkins’ collection, plus “items on loan from Kansas Athletics, the Kansas City Chiefs, former KU basketball player Isaac ‘Bud’ Stallworth, Kansas Public Radio, and local football helmet collector Jerry Quickel,” according to a Watkins news release.
Folks can also listen to interview clips of former KU announcer Tom Hendrick, who touches on career highlights like the 1960 football game controversy.
Tie-in events and talks are available for those who want to dig deeper into the history of KU athletics.
Rebecca Ozier Schulte, author of “The Jayhawk,” and Curtis Marsh, author of “KU-phoria,” will share snippets and anecdotes from 160 years of KU history that they present in their books. This free event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Watkins.
Chelan David, a self-proclaimed hoops fanatic and Lawrence townie, will talk about a 40-year legacy of KU basketball, represented in his book “Stories from the Phog.” This free event is set from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Watkins.
The Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts St., is free to all visitors. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
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