Spencer Museum of Art

Spencer Museum of Art The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas stewards a collection of 48,000+ works that represent different types of art from around the world.
(413)

Admission is always free.

The Spencer Museum will be closed tomorrow (6/19) in observance of , along with the rest of KU. ❤️💛💚🖤On June 19, 1865, ...
06/18/2026

The Spencer Museum will be closed tomorrow (6/19) in observance of , along with the rest of KU. ❤️💛💚🖤

On June 19, 1865, two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and spread the news that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved people were free. During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman became the first woman to lead a military operation of Union troops to free over 750 slaves.

Josh Macphee, organizer; C&D Printshop, printer; Darrell Gane-McCalla, artist
“Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Action,” 2001
from “Celebrate People’s History Poster Series”
color offset lithograph
Museum purchase: Elmer F. Pierson Fund, 2016.0124.007

This summer is the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first time competing in the World Cup since 1974, and their first ...
06/17/2026

This summer is the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first time competing in the World Cup since 1974, and their first match is today! ⚽🏆

This painting exemplifies "art populaire," an artistic movement that developed in the DRC that often features political subjects. Artist Mouscou makes a strong statement about colonial relationships between Africa and Europe through the metaphor of physical disability. What do you think this painting suggests about political power and the power of sport?

Come visit to experience this painting in our "Welcoming the World" installation!

Mouscou
“Match des personnes handicapées Africa & Europe (Match of African and European Handicapped People),” 2013
paint, canvas
Museum purchase: R. Charles and Mary Margaret Clevenger Art Acquisition Fund, 2013.0059

1, 2, 3… Viva l’Algérie! Today is Algeria's first match in the World Cup! ⚽❤️🤍💚We recently acquired three works by Alger...
06/17/2026

1, 2, 3… Viva l’Algérie! Today is Algeria's first match in the World Cup! ⚽❤️🤍💚

We recently acquired three works by Algerian photographer Lazhar Mansouri. Offering a glimpse into the humanity and identity of Algerians as the country freed itself from colonial rule, Mansouri opened a small photography studio located in the back of a grocery store to provide images for ID cards and to record important life moments. 📸

Stop by the Spencer to see these photos in person in our "Welcoming the World" installation. Admission is free for all!

Lazhar Mansouri, artist
Armand Deriaz, printer
“untitled,” 1960s
gelatin silver prints
Museum purchase: Elmer F. Pierson Fund, 2026.0008-2026.0010

Exhibition Intern Sofia Xiaoyi Huang says working at the Spencer has helped her learn how Museum staff collaborate to br...
06/15/2026

Exhibition Intern Sofia Xiaoyi Huang says working at the Spencer has helped her learn how Museum staff collaborate to bring scholarly research to the public through exhibitions.

“The Spencer’s supportive environment encourages growth, creativity, and professional development, allowing students like me to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting and prepare for future careers in the arts and museum fields.”
— Sofia Xiaoyi Huang, MA student in art history

Show your love for “Street Nihonga” with our discounted merch packages, starting today, June 14, through Sunday, June 28...
06/14/2026

Show your love for “Street Nihonga” with our discounted merch packages, starting today, June 14, through Sunday, June 28.

Choose your favorite pair:
⛰️ Exhibition catalogue and “The Cats of Mirikitani” DVD for $53
😸 Exhibition catalogue and a shirt of your choice for $58
🐟 “The Cats of Mirikitani” DVD and a shirt of your choice for $35

Today we’re taking a closer look at the “Entangled Memories” section of “Street Nihonga.” Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani weave...
06/14/2026

Today we’re taking a closer look at the “Entangled Memories” section of “Street Nihonga.” Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani weaves together memory, history, and contemporary life through his collages. This collage references images of his own artwork, Japanese Nihonga artists, and New York artists, along with photos of himself and his community, revealing the diverse networks he forged over the course of an extraordinary life. 📰🐉

Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
“untitled (white dragon protecting Mirikitani and friends),” after 2002
collage, drawing, ballpoint pen, colored pencil, photography, photocopying, offset print, newsprint, paper
Collection of Linda Hattendorf, Taos, New Mexico, EL2024.179

Help us celebrate Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani’s birthday on Sunday (6/14) from 2–3PM. Enjoy a slice of birthday cake, expe...
06/12/2026

Help us celebrate Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani’s birthday on Sunday (6/14) from 2–3PM. Enjoy a slice of birthday cake, experience Japanese taiko drumming, and explore “Street Nihonga"—only open for two more weeks! 🍰🪘😻

Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
"A Birthday Party for Jimmy," after 2002
collage, photocopying, paper
Collection of Linda Hattendorf, Taos, New Mexico, EL2024.134

06/11/2026

Whether you're in town to see some soccer or just spending the day in Lawrence, the Spencer Museum has something for everyone to enjoy this summer. And the best part? Admission is free for all! ⚽🖼️

Drop in Saturday (6/13) from 1–4PM for this month’s Art Cart: Kickin’ It! Take part in the festivities surrounding the w...
06/10/2026

Drop in Saturday (6/13) from 1–4PM for this month’s Art Cart: Kickin’ It! Take part in the festivities surrounding the world’s premiere international soccer competition this summer to create a mini 3D paper soccer ball. ⚽

“scene of two skeletons playing soccer,” 1981–1991
Oaxaca, Mexico
wire, ceramic, paint
Gift of Lynn M. Ward, 2007.4361

Join the Spencer’s Director of Creative Services and soccer fan Ryan Waggoner for an exploration of “Welcoming the World...
06/09/2026

Join the Spencer’s Director of Creative Services and soccer fan Ryan Waggoner for an exploration of “Welcoming the World to Lawrence” this Thursday (6/11) from 10:15–11:00AM. Revealing how art and sport unite communities worldwide, the installation features artwork from countries playing matches and staying in the Kansas City area this summer. ⚽🌍🏆

Address

1301 Mississippi Street
Lawrence, KS
66045

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+17858644710

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Spencer Museum of Art posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category