The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
701 Beach Lane
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

October 13, 1996 marked a major addition to the cultural life of Kansas State University, Manhattan, and the region, with the opening of the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. Ross and Marianna Kistler Beach were the very generous lead donors for this new initiative at K-State, and in honor of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Ross named the museum after his wife.

The Beach Museum of Art offers a rich diversity of exhibitions and educational programs and continues to collect art that is reflective of the region. It must be noted that the quality and standards of these endeavors are high, as recognized by accreditation of the museum by the American Association of Museums in 2002. Guiding the stewardship of the museum is the University President’s Office, Museum Advisory Board, Board of Visitors, Friends of the Beach Museum of Art, volunteers, and staff. Since the BMA opened:

• The collection has expanded from under 1,500 works of art to over 4,500 works of art. The primary focus is on Kansas and the region, covering historical and contemporary pieces. A significant gift was the works of John Stuart Curry donated by his widow upon her death. This collection of over 900 drawings, sketches, prints, and paintings provides a body of work of one of the major regionalist artists.

• The museum offers a wide range of exhibitions featuring artists and art work of local, regional, national, and international importance. The museum regularly curates exhibitions and prepares catalogues that offer new information about artists and art of the region.

BMA
• Numerous educational programs, tours, workshops, lectures, and other activities and events are regularly presented for public school children, university students, and adults.

• The generous support of the Friends of the Beach Museum of Art and many others have allowed the museum to grow, expand, and serve the university community and the general community.

• The museum is currently planning an addition of 15,000 square feet and it is anticipated construction will begin within the next two years.

Contact Information

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
701 Beach Lane
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

Phone: 785.532.7718
Email: beachart@ksu.edu

©2004 Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art All rights reserved.