| Museum of World Treasures | |
| Map Type: | Kansas |
| Coordinates: | 37.6873°N -97.3279°W |
| Established: | 2001 |
| Location: | 835 East 1st Street, Wichita, KS 67202 United States |
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 a genuine shrunken head. The Museum of World Treasures is not limited to a particular era of history, but has opted to display a diverse collection representing many different fields of interest and a wide range of subjects.[1] This museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, but is not accredited by the organization.
The museum first opened as the Museum of Ancient Treasures[2] 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.
In less than a year, the size and diversity of the museum's collection had changed. It now consisted of over 30 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 location is a reconstructed three story warehouse that was completely renovated to house the expansive museum collection.
There have now been over 300 collectors who have their items stored and on display as loans or donations at the Museum. The museum owns approximately 75% of the artifacts.
The three stories of the museum contain a diverse array of historical artifacts. Access to the separate floors can be obtained via a central spiral staircase, or the popular glass elevator that rises above the towering dinosaur exhibit. The first floor also contains the entry foyer and Museum Store.
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:
The 2nd floor of the Museum focuses on military history, presidents, and royalty from around the world. Exhibits of note are:
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:
Some exhibits featured at the Museum of World Treasures are on display for a limited time.
The Museum of World Treasures is a not-for-profit[5] 501(c)(3) Kansas corporation. The Museum is governed by a board of directors.
The museum focuses heavily on its mission to educate, entertain, and inspire with programs such as:
Nearby museums west of Arkansas River in Wichita:
Nearby museums east of Arkansas River in downtown and oldtown areas of Wichita: