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Museum of World Treasures

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Museum of World Treasures
Ivan the T. rex, one of the diverse exhibits
Map
Established2001
Location835 East 1st Street,
Wichita, KS 67202 United States
Websiteworldtreasures.org

The Museum of World Treasures is a world history museum in Wichita, Kansas, United States. Among the many items on display are Tyrannosaurus, Daspletosaurus, and Tylosaurus specimens (Including "Ivan the T. rex"), Egyptian mummies, signatures of all the American presidents, a section of the Berlin Wall, and the Scarecrow's pitchfork from The Wizard of Oz. The Museum of World Treasures is not limited to a particular aspect of history, but has opted to display an extremely diverse collection representing many different fields of interest and a wide range of subjects. This museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, but is not accredited by the organization.

History

The museum first opened as the Museum of Ancient Treasures on April 22, 2001, at the Garvey Building in Downtown Wichita. The bulk of the exhibits were originally from the collection of the Museum's founder, Dr. Jon Kardatzke. As the Museum of Ancient Treasures began to attract more visitors, it also asserted its dedication to serving and educating the community of Wichita. In the process, the Museum began to attract more lifetime collectors that shared Kardatzke's passion for history; realizing the scope and aim of the Museum, the collectors were honored to display their collection in the Museum. In less than a year, the size and diversity of the Museum's collection had changed. It now consisted of over thirty individual private collections and spanned numerous significant events and cultures from prehistory to the present. Spurred by the purchase of three complete fossil dinosaur skeletons, the Museum was forced to look for a larger space to exhibit its vast and growing collection. The Museum relocated to the "Farm and Art Market" in Old Town, Wichita in 2003 and was renamed The Museum of World Treasures. The new building is a reconstructed three story warehouse that was completely renovated to house the expansive museum collection. There are now over 300 collectors who have their items on display at the museum. The museum owns approximately 75% of the artifacts.[1]

Mission

To provide a gateway to the past that educates, entertains and inspires lifelong learning.[2]

Layout

The three stories of the museum represent different eras in world history. Access to the separate floors can be obtained via a central spiral staircase, or the popular glass elevator the rises above the towering dinosaur exhibit. The first floor also contains the entry foyer and Museum Store.

First floor

A piece of the 50 ft. long Timeline featuring all the Roman Emperors and their coinage.

The 1st floor of the museum focuses on fossils and ancient human history, as well as a room dedicated to geology. Exhibits of note are:

Second floor

The 2nd floor of the Museum focuses on military history, presidents, and royalty from around the world. Exhibits of note are:

Third floor

A frontier log cabin diorama

The exhibits on the 3rd floor feature an ensemble of material from American history. In addition, the top floor of the museum also has a large banquet room that can be rented out for private functions. Exhibits of note are:

Rotating exhibits

Some exhibits featured at the Museum of World Treasures are on display for a limited time. To learn more visit - Museum of World Treasures Web Site.

Organization

The Museum of World Treasures is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Kansas corporation. Tax-deductible donations go directly to support the Museum's many educational programs. The Museum is run by a Board of Directors.

Staff includes
  • President and CEO
  • Operations Director
  • Curator of Collections
  • Curator of Exhibits and Research
  • Education Director
  • Development Director
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Front desk staff
  • Volunteers
  • Docents

Outreach

The museum focuses heavily on educational outreach with programs such as:

  • Camp-Ins
  • Educational Tours
  • Scout Programs
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Educational Partnerships

See also

Nearby museums west of Arkansas River in Wichita:

Nearby museums east of Arkansas River in downtown and oldtown areas of Wichita:

References

  1. ^ http://www.worldtreasures.org
  2. ^ http://www.worldtreasures.org
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