Must-See Art Museums in Kansas Worth Exploring
In the heartland of America, Kansas boasts a vibrant art scene with several top-tier museums that cater to a variety of tastes. Here's a roundup of some of the state's most esteemed art institutions.
1. **Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City)**
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of Kansas City's most cherished landmarks. With a diverse collection spanning ancient to contemporary art, the museum is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Its specialty collections include Native American pottery and jewelry, Japanese painted screens and kimonos, and an expansive American gallery with the largest public holdings of Thomas Hart Benton’s works.
The museum's modern and contemporary art section features pieces by Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, and others, housed also in the Bloch Building. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art also hosts rare exhibits such as John Smart’s portrait miniatures and wildlife art, with plans for a major $170 million expansion centered around a sculpture park.
Visitors can enjoy free admission, guided tours, interactive education programs, a large art reference library, sculpture park, and an onsite restaurant with live music. The famous shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn provide a playful welcome to visitors.
2. **Wichita Art Museum (Wichita)**
Another premier art museum in Kansas, the Wichita Art Museum houses significant American art collections. Although details on its uniqueness are limited, it is recognized as a premier regional art institution. The museum's Bloch Building, designed by Steven Holl, is an architectural marvel and provides an innovative space for contemporary art exhibitions.
3. **Spencer Museum of Art (Lawrence)**
The Spencer Museum of Art, situated on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas, serves as a cultural and educational hub. While specific unique features are not detailed, the museum offers a wide-ranging collection, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
4. **Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art (Manhattan)**
Recognized among the state’s best, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, likely emphasizes regional artists or specialized collections, but further details are unavailable in the sources.
5. **Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (Overland Park)**
Specializing in contemporary art, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art provides a focused experience on modern artistic expressions and innovation.
6. **Mulvane Art Museum (Wichita)**
Another key Kansas museum, the Mulvane Art Museum is known for diverse exhibitions and collections of American art.
Beyond these museums, the Mulvane Art Lab offers hands-on art-making experiences for visitors of all ages, fostering creativity and learning. The Wichita Art Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays. Admission is free on Saturdays.
The Ulrich Museum of Art, located on the campus of Wichita State University, features a permanent collection of over 7,000 works, including prominent artists such as Benny Andrews, Diane Arbus, Barkley Hendricks, Nan Goldin, and Andy Warhol. Its Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection includes over 80 sculptures displayed across the university's 330-acre campus.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City houses over 42,000 works, spanning continents and centuries. Its American art collection includes works by Thomas Hart Benton and John Singer Sargent, notably the "Portrait of Mrs. Cecil Wade". European art enthusiasts will find masterpieces by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Monet at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
The museum's collection spans various periods and cultures, featuring European and American art from ancient to contemporary times, as well as significant holdings in Asian art. The museum's Asian art holdings are particularly noteworthy, featuring significant pieces from China, Japan, Korea, and India.
The Mulvane Art Museum, nestled on the Washburn University campus in Topeka, has a permanent collection of over 6,000 works, encompassing paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts. The museum's collection includes masterpieces by Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
The Wichita Art Museum (WAM) was established in 1915 and houses a collection of over 10,000 artworks that celebrate American artistic heritage. It recently showcased the "CRAVING LIGHT: The Museum of Love and Reckoning" exhibition, featuring installations by citizen artist vanessa german, exploring the legacies of the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
The museum's architectural highlight is the stunning glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly, which graces the main lobby. The Spencer Museum offers a variety of programs, including exhibitions like "Bold Women," which explores the ways women have pushed the boundaries of art and society across generations and geographies.
The Mulvane Art Museum's "I Dream a World" exhibition presented 75 portraits of Black women by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Brian Lanker, highlighting their contributions and experiences. The Mulvane Art Museum also offers the Artists in Schools initiative, which brings professional teaching artists into K-12 classrooms to provide arts-based, interdisciplinary instruction.
In summary, each of these top art museums in Kansas offers unique experiences and collections that distinguish them. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art stands out for its comprehensive global collections, integration of art across eras and cultures, interactive educational programming, and iconic outdoor sculpture park. Other museums like Wichita Art Museum and Nerman Museum focus more on American and contemporary art respectively, providing rich but more specialized offerings within the Kansas art scene.
Traveling through the heartland of America, art enthusiasts should visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, which boasts a diverse collection encompassing ancient to contemporary art, travel here for a chance to view pieces by Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, and more. For those seeking a more regional art focus, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park offers a focused experience on modern artistic expressions and innovation. With each museum providing unique experiences and collections, travelers can savor the rich tapestry of art that adds vibrancy to Kansas's lifestyle.
