Spencer Museum of Art Tours

The Spencer Museum of Art started like many art museums do, with the donation of a private collection. Sallie Thayer generously donated her prized art collection to the University of Kansas in 1917. The collection has since been added to and expanded. The current collection includes the original group of works as well as more recent acquisitions and the entire collection of ethnographic objects from the university’s anthropology department.

The museum is small and is only able to show up to 5 percent of its collection at any one time. Examine the permanent exhibitions that include detailed Pueblo pottery from North American tribes, Inuit clothing and artifacts from the turn of the 20th century. There is also a large African collection.

See intricate carvings and prints from places such as Turkey and India in the Asian Art section. Wooden block prints from Japan are another highlight in this section of the museum along with the colorful Chinese ink paintings.

Don't miss the European and American art. Pieces include textiles, prints, illustrations and sculptures. This collection also includes an impressive amount of works on paper, often shown in temporary exhibitions. A good chance to see them is every Friday when the print room is open to the public.

Beyond the permanent collection, the museum also hosts traveling exhibitions. Previous ones have included contemporary art from China and Japan, Renaissance collections from Italy and installation art from around the world. The museum is located outside the Kansas City center, so check the museum’s website to find out what is showing before you make the trip.

The Spencer Museum of Art is located in Lawrence, Kansas, about a 45-minute drive west of Kansas City. It’s situated on the University of Kansas campus where there is plenty of parking available. The museum is closed on Mondays. Entry is free.