Arts & Culture
Topeka's arts and culture scene is thriving like never before. From features in the New York Times and high praise from the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, everyone is buzzing about Topeka's art scene. Explore our galleries featuring talent that rivals the big city, delivered with the value and charm that only the Midwest can provide. From the oldest community dinner theater in the country to our city-wide First Friday ArtWalks, Topeka is an art lover's paradise.
Showcasing the best local, regional, and national talent, Topeka has numerous museums and galleries featuring sculpture, painting, photography, mixed-media and fine art of all kinds.
MURALS
Beautiful murals can be found throughout the Capital City, but if you’re on the hunt, be sure to make stops at the following: the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, Downtown Topeka, the Great Mural Wall of Topeka, the Kansas State Capitol Building, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, the Brown v. Board Mural, the Topeka Police Department Mural and the many murals located in the Oakland community. Find locations of these and more through ArtsTopeka.org.
MULVANE ART MUSEUM
The Mulvane Art Museum opened in 1924 and is the oldest accredited art museum west of the Mississippi River. White international in scope, the museum's collection emphasizes the works of artists in Kansas and the Midwest. The Mulvane Art Museum also features the Art Lab, a hands-on activity center for all ages, which is open on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays. Admission to the galleries and Art Lab is FREE! Contact the museum to schedule a tour or group visit.
RITA BLITT ART GALLERY AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
World-renowned, award-winning artist Rita Blitt generously gifted her legacy collection and archive to Washburn University's Mulvane Art Museum in 2017. The Rita Blitt Gallery and Sculpture Garden connects Blitt's art to the University's White Concert Hall, creating a meaningful link between the performing and visual arts on campus. Admission is free! Expect to spend 20 minutes or more.
GALLERIES
There are too many fabulous galleries in Topeka to list in one short section, so here’s a sampling of what the Capital City has to offer. At SouthWind Art Gallery, see the finest in contemporary paintings, photography and sculpture by artists with roots in Kansas and the Midwest. Prairie Glass Studio utilizes fused glass to make various forms of art and decorative pieces. This studio also offers classes, camps and birthday party options. Two Wolves Studio & Artist Den is a gallery and studio, there you will find a place to show art, perform art and have art classes and sessions. While visiting the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, be sure to visit The Morris Gallery located inside the NOTO Arts Center to see the latest featured exhibit.
TRUCKHENGE
An eclectic combination of farm, recycled art and nature sanctuary. Truckhenge features antique trucks jutting out of the ground, as well as various forms of upcycled art works. This outdoor art gallery is located on a family farm, so be sure to book your appointment ahead of time at facebook.com/Truckhenge.
