Beach Museum of Art

Name: Beach Museum of Art
Address: 701 Beach Lane, Manhattan, KS, 66506, US
Telephone: (785) 532-7718

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Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art—Your FREE Art Museum for 30 Years! (1996-2026). beach.k-state.edu/explore | linktr.ee/beachmuseum

Located at Kansas State University, the museum holds a collection of 13,000+ objects. Experience vibrant exhibitions, engaging public programs, all-age friendly education Located at Kansas State University's Manhattan campus, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art collects, cares and celebrates regional art and brings art and artists from around the world to the heart of Kansas.

10/22/2026

Join us today in exploring the Pursuit of Happiness through a Double Take Gallery Tour. Thurs., Oct. 22, 2026, 5:30-6 p.m., Beach Museum of Art, free and open to all! Theme: Pursuit of Happiness — Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared the right to pursue happiness. They didn't define it. They left that to us, and artists have been capturing our answers ever since. Rooted in specific moments, places, and lives, their work is a character study of American aspiration. This Double Take explores what the pursuit of happiness has looked like across the United States of America: the beliefs established, the values forged, the desires longed for, and the dignity demanded. Together, we'll encounter those pursuits and consider what we're still reaching for today.

Double Take is a 30-minute program hosted by Museum Outreach Specialist McClendon that invites participants to take a deeper look at selected artworks on display. Participants also have the opportunity to anonymously share and observe real-time reactions to the works.

See you at the ! @ Kansas State University

10/21/2026

We are busy and happy to welcome curious and creative minds at the Beach Museum of Art!

- USD 364 - Marysville Highschool photography students view select works from the collection and engage in gallery discussions.

- College of Architecture, Planning, and Design architecture students explore space design and plans.

- Preschoolers enjoy Storytime!

Thank you for visiting us and helping us further our mission. 💜 —

Kansas State University

10/18/2026

🍂 Fall is here, make your own Leaf Man this week in story time! FREE for preschoolers, Story Explorers will meet Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, from 10:30-11 AM at the Beach Museum of Art. Registration is required, please sign up at beach.k-state.edu/calendar

This week we will explore the wonderful book Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert, followed by a fun leaf man making activity. 🍁

10/16/2026

You're invited to an amazing evening of Indigenous music! 🎵✨

Indigenous Recordings Listening Party | Oct. 29, 2026 | 5:30-7 PM | Beach Museum of Art | Free and open to the public 🎼

Featuring DJ Bad Alaskan (Alex Kimball Williams, Aleut/Unangax̂ tribe of Alaska) and Beach Museum of Art Librarian of Wonder Thomas Bell. They co-curated a playlist of traditional Indigenous music and recordings by contemporary Indigenous artists and will provide commentary during the event. Light refreshments and craft activities will be available. This program is offered in conjunction with our exhibition "Home/Land: Wahzhazhe Artists Speak."

Image: Williams on her album "Red & Black" cover. Design by Orlando Begaye (Navajo/Diné)

at Kansas State University

10/15/2026

On Monday, Oct. 12, the Beach Museum of Art was honored to partner with K-State Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, a day filled with Indigenous voices, creativity, culture, and community.

Throughout the day, artists, scholars, and storytellers shared perspectives that invited us to reflect, learn, and connect. Our sincere thanks to keynote speakers and “Home/Land” exhibition artists Norman Akers (Norman Akers) and Anita Fields (Anita Fields), and to all the speakers, organizers, and community members who shared their knowledge and experiences.

At the museum, we were delighted to welcome artist Chris Pappan (Chris Pappan) for a thought-provoking presentation, Chef Jason Ch*****ne (native_chef_llc) for an extraordinary culinary experience, and curator Aileen June Wang (Aileen June Wang) for an excellent guided tour of the “Home/Land: Wahzhazhe Artists Speak” exhibition. It was also wonderful to welcome Norman back to the museum.

We are grateful to the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance and to everyone who helped shape this meaningful day of programming and conversations.

Museums are places for more than looking at art. At their best, they create opportunities to encounter different perspectives, challenge assumptions, deepen empathy, and discover the connections that make us human.

Kansas State University

10/10/2026

**The following message is written by our Director, Kent Michael Smith, following last evening’s Beach Ball Community Celebration**

Last night’s Beach Ball was extraordinary: our largest crowd ever and perhaps the most joyful celebration we’ve hosted at the Beach Museum of Art.

And it happened because we dared to do something different.

Thanks to our generous underwriters, we eliminated the ticket price and invited our community to celebrate with us. No financial barrier. Just an invitation to come as you are or show off your creativity through costumes and find yourself here.

And did you ever show up!!

I had prepared a few remarks, but watching everyone explore and celebrate throughout the museum, I realized: There was nothing I needed to say that the evening wasn’t already saying for us.

Thirty years ago the museum opened its doors with the idea that art belonged in the lives of this community. Last night we opened those doors a little wider! We want everyone who walks through them to feel welcome, to feel they belong, to encounter new perspectives, and perhaps discover something new about themselves.

That’s what we mean when we say, “Find Yourself Here.”

Last night wasn’t simply a party with a purpose. It was a celebration of our purpose.

To our underwriters, staff, students, volunteers, and this extraordinary community: THANK YOU!

The Beach Museum of Art is yours to discover. And last night, you made it shine.

Cheers to the next 30 years! 💜

10/09/2026

Registrations are FULL for the Beach Ball! We can’t wait to get this party started! 🎉 If you missed registering, we hope to see you next year. Thank you!

Beach Ball: A Community Celebration at the Beach Museum of Art - Your Art Museum for 30 Years (1996-2026)!

Address

701 Beach Lane
Manhattan, KS
66506

Telephone

(785) 532-7718

Website

http://beach.k-state.edu/

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