The best place to explore McPherson's eclectic, global and fascinating history is at the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation.

Discover the historical people, places and endeavors that made our community one of the most flourishing small towns in Central Kansas.

The McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation began at McPherson College in the late 1890s. A collection of natural history and early Americana artifacts were housed in a classroom in Sharp Hall. The collection was moved to the fourth floor of Harnly Hall where it remained until 1968. The Vaniman home at 1130 E. Euclid became the museum's new home until 2013 when a new facility was built at 1111 E. Kansas.

The modern 26,000 square-foot facility dedicates more than 12,000 square feet to exhibits. This is more than three times the exhibit space the old museum provided! Visitors enjoy viewing a dire wolf, saber tooth cat and giant ground sloth from the La Brea Tar Pits. They learn about the McPherson Globe Refiners basketball team who won the first ever Olympic Gold medal in their sport. The are entertained by scenes of McPherson replicated in the Mid-Kansas Model Railroad layout.

The McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation provides educational programs, lecture series and social events. The facilities are also available for rent and provide an attractive option for wedding receptions, lectures, trainings, reunions, banquets and conferences.

In 2016, the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau established its office at the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation. The collaboration was part of a comprehensive plan to establish a Kansas Travel Information Center in McPherson. Travelers have access to Kansas maps and information about destination experiences throughout the McPherson area.