Mulvane Art Museum
Discover art and creativity at the Mulvane Art Museum, Kansas's oldest accredited museum west of the Mississippi. Features local art, rotating exhibit...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Mulvane Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover art and creativity at the Mulvane Art Museum, Kansas's oldest accredited museum west of the Mississippi. Features local art, rotating exhibits, and a fun Art Lab.
"Free admission and a fun Art Lab make this small museum a delightful stop, especially for families."
🎯 Free Admission Perks
Enjoy the museum and its art lab without any cost! Perfect for a budget-friendly outing. :ticket:
🎨 Get Creative at the Art Lab
Don't miss the interactive art lab in the basement, great for kids and the young at heart! :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Art Lab
Basement level
An interactive space for all ages to get creative with various art stations and activities. Perfect for families!
Permanent Collection
Main gallery
Discover a curated selection of tasteful artwork, often featuring local artists and restored pieces.
Traveling Exhibits
Main gallery
Experience diverse and engaging temporary exhibitions that bring fresh perspectives to the museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Free Admission & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Perks
Enjoy the museum and its art lab without any cost! Perfect for a budget-friendly outing. +1 :ticket:
🎨 Get Creative at the Art Lab
Don't miss the interactive art lab in the basement, great for kids and the young at heart! +1 :art:
🚶♀️ Explore Washburn Campus
The museum is on a beautiful campus. Combine your visit with a stroll around the grounds. :walking:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look out for poetry workshops or other community events hosted by the museum. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Perks
Enjoy the museum and its art lab without any cost! Perfect for a budget-friendly outing. +1 :ticket:
🎨 Get Creative at the Art Lab
Don't miss the interactive art lab in the basement, great for kids and the young at heart! +1 :art:
🚶♀️ Explore Washburn Campus
The museum is on a beautiful campus. Combine your visit with a stroll around the grounds. :walking:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look out for poetry workshops or other community events hosted by the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mulvane Art Museum to be a charming, albeit small, institution offering a peaceful viewing experience with tasteful artwork and an engaging Art Lab. While some find the size limiting for an extended visit, its free admission and location on the beautiful Washburn campus make it a worthwhile stop, especially for families and those seeking a quick cultural immersion.
"The museum is truly very small. It’s in a single room, so this really wouldn’t be an all day outing activity. I think I spent about 15 minutes looking at the artwork, which was very tasteful. I’d recommend you to go there if you are on campus or a Washburn student. Admission is free! I did find it particularly interesting that the current work on display was restored and they shared some of the restoration process, the other side of the gallery was some poetry which I wasn’t as big of a fan of, but I go to art museums to look at pictures, not necessarily to read."
Laura
"We have enjoyed visiting the art lab many times. Several stations for the kids & kid at heart to get creative. They host parties as well as open creative area with a station that changes regularly. Free parking & free admission. Located in the basement of the Mulvane Art Museum."
Aubrey Behrends
"Very nice small museum on beautiful Washburn Univ. campus. We enjoyed both the traveling exhibit and the permanent collection. Plenty of seats to take a brief rest and see the artwork from a distance. Outdoor artwork was great too."
Marsha Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mulvane Art Museum is located on the beautiful campus of Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Parking is generally free and readily available near the museum.
Yes, free parking is available for visitors, making it convenient to access the museum. +1
Absolutely! The museum is open to the public, and admission is free for everyone. +1
Besides the Washburn University campus, you can find an air museum to the south and Burnett's Mound for city views. Topeka also boasts many great coffee shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Mulvane Art Museum is completely free for all visitors, including children and members. +1
Operating hours can vary, especially when school is out of session. It's best to check the official Mulvane Art Museum website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. However, for special events like the Mulvane Art Fair, tickets might be needed.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum, university campuses are generally designed with accessibility in mind. The Art Lab is located in the basement.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The museum features a permanent collection, often showcasing local artists, as well as rotating traveling exhibits. They also highlight the restoration process of some artworks.
Yes, the Mulvane Art Museum is very family-friendly, especially with its interactive Art Lab in the basement offering creative activities for kids. +1
Given its size, a visit typically takes about 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the Art Lab. It's not an all-day outing.
Yes, the museum and campus often feature outdoor artwork that is enjoyable to view.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask museum staff about their photo policy, especially regarding flash photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe. However, during events like the Mulvane Art Fair, food trucks and vendors are usually available.
The Washburn University campus may have dining options, and Topeka offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, including highly recommended coffee shops like Circle, Blackbird, and Coffeehead.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique architecture of the museum and the Washburn University campus. The Art Lab also offers colorful and engaging backdrops for photos.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Always check for posted signs or ask a museum attendant before taking photos of the artwork.
The outdoor sculptures and the general campus grounds provide scenic photo opportunities. The vibrant displays in the Art Lab are also popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the Art Lab, the museum's main galleries often feature visually interesting pieces and rotating exhibits that can capture a child's attention. Combining a visit with the Mulvane Art Fair in June provides even more family-friendly activities, including children's art projects and a lively atmosphere.
Remember, it's a smaller museum, so it's perfect for a focused, enjoyable outing without overwhelming younger visitors. 💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with the free parking available on the Washburn University campus, and you have an incredibly affordable cultural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mulvane Art Fair: A Community Celebration
+2Beyond the art sales, the fair is a festive community gathering. Visitors can enjoy live music, delicious food from local food trucks, and a beer garden. For families, there are often children's art activities, making it a fun outing for all ages.
Attending the fair is a fantastic way to support local and national artists while experiencing the lively cultural scene in Topeka. Pro-tip: While admission is free for children and members, there's a fee for general admission, so check the dates and pricing in advance.
It's a great opportunity to find unique pieces for your home and connect with the artists themselves. The Art Lab: Creativity for Everyone
This interactive area features different stations that change regularly, offering a dynamic experience with each visit. Whether it's building with blocks and Legos, exploring different arts and crafts, or simply enjoying a quiet corner for reading, the Art Lab provides a welcoming atmosphere for imaginative play and artistic exploration.
The Art Lab also hosts parties and events, making it a popular spot for celebrations. Its free admission and engaging setup make it a standout feature of the Mulvane Art Museum experience.
A Century of Art: The Mulvane's Legacy
Established with a vision to bring art and culture to the region, it has consistently served as a vital cultural hub for Topeka and the surrounding communities. Throughout its existence, the Mulvane has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting a diverse range of artworks. It has hosted countless exhibitions, from its permanent collection featuring significant regional and national artists to engaging traveling shows that introduce new perspectives.
Its enduring presence on the Washburn University campus underscores its commitment to art education and community engagement. The Mulvane Art Museum continues to be a cornerstone of the arts in Kansas, inspiring visitors with its collections and programming.
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