Small Expressions

Small Expressions is an annual juried exhibition showcasing contemporary small-scale works using fiber techniques in any media. Small in scale but visually compelling, HGA’s Small Expressions exhibit features work that speaks to the intricacy of expression, intimacy of design, thoughtful communication, and visual excitement. The artists in this exhibit create

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Being Modern

This exhibition follows (and is directly patterned after) the Museum’s previous exhibit Art Deco on the Plains. It takes the timeline forward to explore modern design experienced locally in the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition is a feature of the Lois Kay Walls Local Visual Art History Series. Wichitans desired

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Thunderbolt Sirens

We hear them every Monday at noon but fear them if sounded during stormy weather when tornados threaten our community. The Thunderbolt Sirens have a rich history and are being celebrated this weekend including a special exhibit at the Historical Museum opening this Sunday. The Sirens were originally installed in

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Why We Collect What We Collect

The Museum’s mission involves collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of significance to our local history. Beginning with a donation from the Pioneer Society of Sedgwick County in 1939, the Museum has added over 70,000 artifacts including photographs and archival material to its permanent collection. The collection plan organizes artifacts by

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Art Deco on the Plains

This special exhibit explores Art Deco design locally. The term Art Deco, popularized in the 1960s, applies to the predominant decorative art and design style that visually defined an era encompassing the Roaring 1920s – known for its post-war exuberance, decadence, and prohibition – through the 1930s – remembered for

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Turn It Up to 90! – The Electric Guitar and the 90th Anniversary of its Wichita World Debut

This special exhibit, featuring dozens of historic electric guitars and, explores Wichita’s connection to the most popular musical instrument  of our time. The Museum has researched this subject since 2002, producing several well-received exhibits, revealing Wichita’s unique place in the instrument’s history.  Visitors will also see the electric guitars from

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The Parking Meter

  History museum exhibits often encourage exploring the familiar by viewing it through the lens of the past.The parking meter struck us as an obvious artifact to examine. It is typically the last thing encountered by visitors before they walk through our doors. As more and more cars packed city

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Art Exhibition: Genevieve Frickel

THE ARTISTIC LIFE  and WORK of GENEVIEVE FRICKEL Genevieve Ingram Frickel (1900-1985) was an independent visual artist and remarkable figure in the local art and culture scene of mid-century Wichita. Frickel led the Art Department at the Wichita School of Fine Arts before moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1953, where

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METAL to the PEDAL — Vintage Pedal Cars

June 2020 – December 2021 50 Years of American Pedal Cars Children’s toys hold a place among the most ancient artifacts. They typically mirror the adult world children aspire to and often teach children how to look forward to life as a grown-up. The pedal car holds a unique position

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80th Anniversary Exhibit

April 2019 – November 2020   This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Museum and celebrates its work to collect, preserve and educate through the interpretation of our local history. Over the years the Museum has featured an encyclopedic range of exhibits telling stories using artifacts – material culture bearing

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