Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures is a world history museum in Wichita, Kansas, United States. Among the many items on display are Tyrannosaurus, Daspletosaurus, and Tylosaurus specimens (Including "Ivan the T. rex"), Egyptian mummies, signatures of all the American presidents, a section of the Berlin Wall, and a genuine shrunken head. The Museum of World Treasures is not limited to a particular era of history, but has opted to display a diverse collection representing many different fields of interest and a wide range of subjects.[1] This museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, but is not accredited by the organization.

Museum of World Treasures
Museum of World Treasures is located in Kansas
Museum of World Treasures
Location within Kansas
Established2001
Location835 East 1st Street,
Wichita, KS 67202 United States
Coordinates37.687305°N 97.327890°W / 37.687305; -97.327890
Websiteworldtreasures.org

History

The museum first opened as the Museum of Ancient Treasures[2] on April 22, 2001, at the Garvey Building in Downtown Wichita. The bulk of the exhibits were originally from the collection of the museum's founder, Dr. Jon Kardatzke.

In less than a year, the size and diversity of the museum's collection had changed. It now consisted of over 30 individual private collections, and spanned numerous significant events and cultures from prehistory to the present. Spurred by the purchase of three complete fossil dinosaur skeletons, the museum was forced to look for a larger space to exhibit its vast and growing collection.

The museum relocated to the "Farm and Art Market" in Old Town, Wichita, in 2003 and was renamed The Museum of World Treasures. The new location is a reconstructed three story warehouse that was completely renovated to house the expansive museum collection.

There have now been over 300 collectors who have their items stored and on display as loans or donations at the Museum. The museum owns approximately 75% of the artifacts.

Layout

The three stories of the museum contain a diverse array of historical artifacts. Access to the separate floors can be obtained via a central spiral staircase, or the popular glass elevator that rises above the towering dinosaur exhibit. The first floor also contains the entry foyer and Museum Store.

First floor
A piece of the 50 ft. long Timeline featuring all the Roman Emperors and their coinage.
Ivan’s size in comparison to an onlooker.

The 1st floor of the museum focuses on fossils and ancient human history, as well as a room dedicated to geology. Exhibits of note are:

Second floor

The 2nd floor of the Museum focuses on military history, presidents, and royalty from around the world. Exhibits of note are:

Third floor
Events such as Night of the Living Museum bring history to life for visitors

The exhibits on the 3rd floor feature an ensemble of material from American history. In addition, the top floor of the museum also has a large banquet room that can be rented out for private functions. Exhibits of note are:

  • All Are Not Free - features artifacts from the Cold War telling the story of life east of the Iron Curtain.
  • Ivan's PlayHouse[3] - A kid-oriented play space with educational components.
  • Romancing the West - contains cowboys, Native Americans, frontier living, the Pony Express, and other Western artifacts.
  • Historic Composers and Music - features original manuscripts from Mozart, Beethoven, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra.
  • Kardatzke Historic Authors Collection - collections of famous historic authors and poets such as Robert Frost and Mark Twain.
  • Rentable Event Space[4] - a large space that may be rented for weddings, dinners, meetings, and more.

Rotating exhibits

Some exhibits featured at the Museum of World Treasures are on display for a limited time.

Organization

The Museum of World Treasures is a not-for-profit[5] 501(c)(3) Kansas corporation. The Museum is governed by a Board of Directors.

Programming

The museum focuses heavily on its mission to educate, entertain, and inspire with programs such as:

  • Camp-Ins
  • Educational Tours
  • Scout Programs
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Educational Partnerships
  • Adult programming in the form of lectures and evening events

See also

Nearby museums west of Arkansas River in Wichita:

Nearby museums east of Arkansas River in downtown and oldtown areas of Wichita:

References
  1. Stokes, Keith (2016). "Museum of World Treaures". www.KansasTravel.org. Keith Stokes. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  2. www.bizjournals.com https://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2003/02/03/story6.html. Retrieved 2021-08-31. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. Tanner, Becky (11 December 2017). "New play space in Wichita has a huge mascot". The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  4. "Museum of World Treasures - Venue - Wichita, KS". WeddingWire. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  5. "Museum of World Treasures Inc - GuideStar Profile". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
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