The Museum of Art + Light, located at 316 Pierre Street in Manhattan, Kansas, redefined the museum experience by blending traditional art with a new form of digital art expression. Brought to life by LK Architecture’s architectural and interior design expertise and the general contractor The Law Company, Inc., the immersive and experience-driven 100,000-square-foot venue boasts three exhibition galleries spreading across 68,000 square feet, as well as flexible classrooms, a maker space, a restaurant, and a curated store.
The one-of-a-kind sculptural building celebrates the history of movements in art, from early cave drawings to pop art. Reflecting the fluid progression of style, technique, and subject throughout time, the design team’s structurally unique interpretation of this philosophy manifests as a kinetic design. Each floor of the three-level museum functions independently, creating a dynamic interplay of forms and spaces—resulting in distinct floor plans for every level. The structure utilizes some of the largest steel trusses ever used in the Midwest, cantilevering up to 40 feet above the floors below without any visible support. Seemingly floating in space, these floor plates create expansive, covered areas for visitors to gather outside the building. The interior atrium allows guests to observe a mobile type work of art suspended at a height of 38 feet.
Further reflecting the design theme, the museum balances tradition with innovation. Classic art galleries offer a fixed and contemplative experience, while immersive digital installations surround visitors with motion and sound. Two expansive digital art halls and interactive exhibits complement the more static elements, creating a dialogue between the past and the future of artistic expression. Additional amenities include a ground-level student orientation area, a third level café, and an outdoor event space offering stunning views of Manhattan.
A work of art itself, the building exterior is wrapped in vertically oriented metal panels in various shades of white, providing a canvas for active digital projections. The base of the building is clad with Kansas limestone panels, oriented horizontally to contrast with the vertical metal panels above dynamically. This juxtaposition further adds to the museum’s theme of movement and change, contrasting the surrounding architectural landscape.
Serving as both an educational and cultural hub, the museum brings a new level of connection and access to art to the college culture of the Manhattan community. Designed to accommodate large groups, including students from across the region, the museum is committed to fostering engagement through rotating exhibits and educational programs. Exploring the vast array and uniqueness of art, the museum is home to works by European masters, American creatives, and regional artists, alongside digital art created and produced in-house.
Blending tradition and technology within a unique standout architectural space, the Museum of Art + Light celebrates the ever-changing nature of art while fostering community and creativity. It creates an inspiring space where education, innovation, and community converge while setting a new cultural engagement and artistic expression standard.
