Top Public Art You Have to See in Downtown Wichita
Attention NCAA fans and newcomers to Wichita: if you’re not aware of the sprawling collection of public art in downtown Wichita, prepare yourself for a visual feast! Here is where to start first:
Keeper of The Plains
THE Wichita icon with deep cultural significance and a gorgeous natural setting. A ring of fire illuminates the Keeper every night at 9pm for fifteen minutes; a magical experience each and every time. While you’re at it, take a stroll down the River Walk (one of my favorite places in town) and be sure to check out the “Keeper of the Drains,” a glowering (and smile-inducing) troll in a subterranean prison that looks especially cool at night! (By the river near the Westar Energy Plant at 777 W Central Ave)
Wichita Art Museum’s “Art Garden”
See internationally-acclaimed sculptures from artists like Tom Otterness and Henry Moore. Then, venture inside for “Monet to Matisse: French Moderns from the Brooklyn Museum”, famous works from Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, Dale Chihuly and much, much more!
Downtown Sculptures
From Douglas Ave. you can find an incredible array of sculptures from Georgia Gerber’s whimsical bronze statues to the infamous “Tripodal” at Century II and a MASSIVE Alexander Calder mobile in the atrium of the U.S. Trust Bank of America (100 N Broadway). Mosley and Mead St. both feature extensive “Sculpture Walkabouts” with work from local and national artists stretching down to the “Neon Sculpture” of Old Town Square
Emprise Bank Art Collection
Seminal works from one of the largest private collections of Kansas artists in the State adorn all five stories of the Emprise Center at 257 N. Broadway. Not to be missed, this collection is a real treasure and a perfect introduction to some of Kansas’ most important artists. Stop in anytime 8-5pm Monday-Friday.
Gallery Alley
Wholly unique and bursting with creativity, Gallery Alley (at 616 E. Douglas) features varied and interactive sculptures from local artists (you can’t miss Mike Miller’s gigantic spider!), a 136ft community-produced street mural, and ample seating for outdoor concerts, refreshments from local businesses, or just kicking back.
Douglas Design District Murals
Over fifty public murals brighten Douglas Avenue from Washington to Oliver. The new “Avenue Art Days” App for iOS and Android shows you everything you need to know (and some great options for food, drinks, and shopping along the way!)
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