Explore the Arts
The Topeka arts scene is thriving like never before, featuring artists, galleries, performing arts venues, and a myriad of art events popping up all over our city.
North Topeka Arts District
The North Topeka Arts District has been featured in the New York Times and highly acclaimed by the National Endowment for the Arts Chairman. Located near the Kansas River at the north end of the city’s downtown corridor, the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO) features some of Topeka’s most historic buildings, which have been transformed into studios, galleries, and antique stores for entrepreneurial artists from the Midwest region.In addition to the galleries regular hours, you can check them out during the monthly First Friday ArtWalk, and dates throughout the week. Create your own work of art in a variety of weekend and evening art classes offered by the NOTO Community Arts Center.
Mulvane Art Museum and ArtLab
View the museum’s collection of art that emphasizes the works of artists in Kansas and the Midwest. The Mulvane also features a free ArtLab that is a hands-on art learning facility designed for people of all ages. This family-oriented exploration place has fifteen activity stations and an art library. Create your own take-home art while there.
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Designed by world-famous architect Michael Graves, this landmark library features the Alice C. Sabatini Art Gallery, the Millennium Cafe, a gift shop and ongoing programs for people of all ages. With a full schedule of kid's entertainment, hands-on learning activities, quality art exhibitions, summer films and adult classes, this beautiful library is worth a visit.
Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy
Enjoy new hit comedies, cutting-edge dramas, and beloved Broadway musicals during dinner and non-dinner shows. This summer’s line-up includes Mary Poppins, The Cat in the Hat, Unnecessary Farce, Lost in Yonkers, Reefer Madness, Three Musketeers and more! Don't miss a performance of Laugh Lines, the theatre's improv comedy troupe, who delivers a side-splitting show with non-stop laughs.
Topeka Performing Arts Center
This multi-functional facility hosts touring Broadway shows, popular comedians, local dance performances and musical artists. Check their website for performance schedules.
First Friday ArtWalk
Explore Topeka’s thriving arts scene on the first Friday of the month. Meet local artists and learn more about the inspiration behind their creations at art galleries throughout town.
Great Mural Wall
This community driven mural arts initiative began in 2007. Panels are painted each summer, with an ultimate goal of becoming the largest mural in Kansas.
Tiffany Windows
See 10 extraordinarily beautiful Tiffany Windows at Topeka’s First Presbyterian Church. Explore them on your own, or schedule a guided tour to learn more.
