Appreciate the historical significance of the Midwest right here in Kansas. From 19th-century memorabilia to a vast collection of American art, Kansas is home to several venues filled to the brim with unique artifacts. Keep reading to catch a glimpse of all the interesting things you’re going to see in Wichita’s best museums.
Wichita Art Museum
Wichita’s art museum showcases the history of the Sunflower State. Founded in 1915 by Louise Murdock, a significant contributor to the city’s early cultural scene, the museum opened to the public in 1935 with a display of borrowed exhibits.
The first purchased collections arrived in 1939 and were quickly followed a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and textiles from talented artists, such as Mary Cassatt and others. The museum underwent a vast expansion in 1963, with a new lobby and two new wings. Today, collections sprawl over 115,000 square feet and the museum offers guests a research library, store, and cafe.
What distinguishes this art museum from others is its collection of over 8,000 creative works by local and international talent. These pieces offer a particular focus on American art and the rich cultural heritage of the Great Plains.
Wander outside and explore the Art Garden. Meandering alongside the Little Arkansas River, the garden features a diverse variety of local flora, including 20,000 perennials. Home to 13 sculptures, this outdoor exhibit blends delightfully with the lush landscape.
The Wichita Art Museum sits at 1400 W. Museum Blvd. While the Art Garden never closes, the museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday and at noon on Sundays.
The Old Cowtown Museum
Head back in time to the glorious days of cowboys at The Old Cowtown Museum. It’s a living memorial to what life was like along the historic Chisholm Trail, one of the storied cattle drives of the wild west. With more than 10,000 permanent artifacts, exhibits include tools, textiles, and furnishings.
An assortment of 54 buildings depicts life along the trail, while the 5-acre period farm is still home to cows, sheep, goats, and chickens. The highlight of the museum is the 1884 Smith House, and costumed volunteers demonstrate the area’s history from traditional log cabins.
The museum’s archive of photographs, letters, and documents authenticate many of the artifacts on display and help educate guests about the history of this proud cattle town. Find the Old Cowtown Museum at 1865 W. Museum Blvd. Exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Mid-America All-Indian Center
Home to museum-quality works, the Mid-America All-Indian Center features more than 3,000 pieces created by Native American artists from around the country. The crowning jewel of the center is the permanent exhibit celebrating the life of Blackbear Bosin. The Mid-America All-Indian Center is at 650 N. Seneca and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Visit Wichita’s cultural centers today. With such a large variety of thought-provoking exhibits, there’s sure to be something of interest for everyone.
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