(Photo courtesy of Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art)
The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art has been a pillar of Kansas State University’s campus since 1996, named in honor of Ross Beach’s wife as a 50th anniversary gift. The museum’s collection comprises over 12,000 objects, primarily focusing on art from Kansas and the surrounding region. Current exhibitions showcase both current artists in Kansas and rural communities across America.
The museum offers free parking and admission, making it the perfect place on campus when seeking to spark inspiration or a quiet solace for studying. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, offering extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
“Kansas Triennial 25/26” is the featured exhibit for this school year, highlighting contemporary artists working across Kansas. The exhibit will run until May 31, 2026.
The museum will be holding recurring events called “Artist Talk,” inviting artists from the exhibit to discuss their pieces. Mark Cowardin will be speaking on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.
Poppy DeltaDawn, a favorite among the museum team, will kick off the talks next year on Thursday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.
“I’m really inspired by our Kansas Triennial artist Poppy DeltaDawn’s work.” Kim Belanger, the museum’s head of education and outreach, said. “She has created all these weavings that speak to identity and belonging, and they’re incredibly complex and meaningful … she said the lace that is woven into some of her work was created by her, by hand … I connect with her work especially, but am really in awe of all the work in that exhibit and our entire collection,”
DeltaDawn’s “Woven” is the largest among the exhibitions, including handwoven baskets made of invasive plant life in Kansas.
The museum also features a two-part exhibition called “Rural America,” highlighting rural communities across America, including an interactive journal piece for visitors to share what rural means to them.