WAM’s 90th Birthday
WAM’s 90th Birthday
90 Years of Art, Community, and Vision
At 3 p.m. on September 22, 1935, the Wichita Art Museum opened its doors to the public.
What began as a visionary gift from Louise Caldwell Murdock has grown into one of the nation’s most significant collections of American art—and a cultural cornerstone for the city of Wichita.
Now, we invite you to celebrate this incredible legacy with us. From major exhibitions and community events to a new commemorative artwork and limited-edition merch, there’s never been a better time to (re)discover your museum.
◆◆◆ Join us in honoring 90 years of art, vision, and community—make time to visit, explore, and celebrate with us this fall and throughout the year. ◆◆◆
Celebrate 90 Years with Us.
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Visit. Discover. Share. Support.
WAM offers one of the Midwest’s great collections, an unparalleled journey through American art that speaks to history and creativity. From timeless masterpieces to bold modern voices, every visit reveals something new. ◆ With free admission, our doors are open to all—families, students, educators, neighbors, travelers, and lifelong learners—inviting everyone to explore the collection, join our events, and be part of our community.
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Come see what’s on view
Visit the (Im)permanent Collection gallery
(im)permanent showcases WAM’s collection of more than 10,000 works through rotating, always-changing galleries. Within it, the new “90 Years of American Art” gallery features acquisitions and masterpieces from each decade, enduring favorites, and important new acquisitions. Tracing the growth of the collection across ninety years, the gallery offers a fresh way to experience the stories of American art at WAM. ◆ Free admission.
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Come Party With Us!
WAM Night: Join the Birthday Celebration
September 26, 2025 | 6 pm – 8 pm
FREE | Open to the Public.Join us for a WAM Night of art, dance, and music. ◆ Sontia Levy-Mason of Get Ya Color On Studios will lead a creative communal project spotlighting the most important letter in WAM: W for Wichita!. ◆ DJ Carbon will bring the tunes and energy. ◆ And as you explore the galleries, you’ll find dancers organized by Mina Estrada of Harvester Arts responding to WAM’s permanent collection.
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Join us for a day of fun for the whole family
Family ArtVenture: Celebrating 90 Years of Education at WAM
September 27, 2025 | 11 am – 3 pm
Free | Open to the Public◆ Student docents from USD 259 in the galleries
◆ Student musical performances
◆ Artmaking opportunities hosted by area art teachersAnd more FREE family fun for everyone!
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Show Your WAM Pride
Grab Your Limited-Edition 90th Merch
Featuring silhouettes from the collection—designed by Wichita artists Amy and Beth Dowell (ARTISTSAPLUSB).
◆ WAM 90th Canvas Tote | $10.80 for members
◆ WAM 90th Cotton T Shirt | $25.20 for members
◆ WAM 90th 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle | $21.60 for members
◆ WAM 90th Celebration Postcard | $1.12 for members
Available at the museum store while supplies last
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Join the hunt
WAM's collection scavenger art hunt
Celebrate 90 years of the Wichita Art Museum with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt through the galleries! Inspired by a special new artwork made of 100 silhouettes from the museum’s collection, this self-guided activity invites young visitors to explore, observe, and match real artworks on view. Find 5, 10, or even more artworks—then return on Halloween night for the WAM Night party to win prizes!
◆ Hunt cards available at the front desk or to download in link below.
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Support the Next 90 Years
Your gift supports free admission every day!
For 90 years, WAM has brought art to the Wichita community. ◆ Your support helps keep access available for the community with free admission every day.
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Get to know WAM
from history to mission - learn all we have to offer
Want to know the full story behind the Wichita Art Museum? The About WAM page takes you deeper into our history, mission, and vision for the future. Learn how Louise Caldwell Murdock’s bold idea in 1915 became a museum with more than 10,000 works of American art, and discover how WAM continues to serve as a hub for learning, creativity, and connection today. ◆ Click through to explore what makes WAM unique—and why it belongs to everyone.
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Become a member
Become a member and be part of WAM’s story. ◆ Your support helps us keep admission free and bring world-class art, inspiring exhibitions, and engaging programs to Wichita. Members also enjoy exclusive benefits—from early access and special previews to discounts and invitations to member-only events.
◆ Click the link to explore membership options.
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Stay Connected with WAM
join our community
Follow us on Facebook to be part of our 90th year—get the latest on exhibitions, events, stories from the collection, and behind-the-scenes moments. ◆ Click “Follow” and never miss a thing.
#iloveWAM
Thank you for 90 unforgettable years.