COLUMBIA — While walking around MU, visitors may notice a set of signs that went up earlier this week. The small black signs mark the 16 sites included on the new Mizzou Audio Tour.
The tour takes visitors on an hour-long stroll circling Francis Quadrangle. Visitors can learn about each site by calling the phone number listed on the signs. Tour maps are available online, and printed copies can be found at the Reynolds Alumni Center or in the visitor center in the rotunda of Jesse Hall.
The audio tour uses technology created by Guide by Cell, a San Francisco company that organizes tours for museums.
While the tour is free, it does cost users mobile phone minutes. The recorded messages average two minutes in length.
Visitors can explore at their own pace and stop at sites in any order they choose.
"People are using their mobile phones to satisfy their curiosity — that’s exactly what we’re doing here," said Clyde Bentley, an associate professor in the Missouri School of Journalism who came up with the system of using cell phones. "This gives them a chance to hear the story behind these places."
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