Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Open and free to the public, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art features K-State's permanent art collection of more than 6,500 pieces.

View the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on the campus map.

 

Building History

The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art opened its doors to the public on October 13, 1996, thanks to a generous $3 million donation from K-State alumni Ross and Marianna Beach of Hays, Kansas.

The museum features a collection of Midwestern and local art, including works by renowned artists from Kansas and the greater Midwest. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the museum was built as part of the Essential Edge campaign led by K-State First Lady Ruth Ann Wefald, marking a significant development for the university. Prior to the museum's establishment, the K-State art collection was displayed across various campus buildings.

The museum's influence expanded in 2004 with the addition of the Mary and Morgan Jarvis wing, which provided three new galleries, art storage areas and additional office and workspace.

Today, the museum hosts over 25,000 annual visitors, underscoring its importance as a cultural institution in the region.