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Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan, KS
MuseumsFreeRainy-Day PickLocal Gem

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

701 Beach Ln · Manhattan, KS

Why you should go…

The Beach Museum of Art opened in 1996 on the Kansas State University campus, with a new wing added in 2006. Its collection centers on Kansas and regional artists, including John Steuart Curry, Birger Sandzen and Gordon Parks, alongside special and traveling exhibitions. Outside, the Hummel Family Meadow is a native plant garden, and inside you may sketch in pencil in the galleries.

  • #art museum
  • #kansas art
  • #k-state
  • #free museum

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    McCain Performance Series

    $25–$50

    Kansas State's touring season at McCain Auditorium, bringing Broadway musicals, comedy, jazz and country shows to campus.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    Bluemont Hotel

    $50+

    An independent hotel with limestone finishes across from Kansas State University and the Aggieville district.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    Courtyard Manhattan Aggieville

    $50+

    A hotel in the middle of Aggieville at the edge of Kansas State University, steps from bars and restaurants.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Wolf House Museum

    Free

    An 1868 limestone boarding house furnished as an 1880s home, with a restored parlor, dining room and bedrooms.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Riley County Historical Museum

    Free

    Free county history museum with galleries from prehistoric times to today, plus historic buildings on its grounds.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Museum of Art + Light

    Under $25

    A three-floor downtown museum pairing fine art galleries with Mezmereyz, a huge walk-through room of immersive digital art.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this