Arts and Culture

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Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts

Young girl playing violin

Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts, an affiliate organization of Bethel College, serves more than 200 students from the Newton and Wichita metropolitan areas. Programming includes Academy Music lessons, Suzuki School of Music, early childhood programs, dance technique courses, pre-professional dance companies, adult programming, seasonal workshops, and more. Learn more

 

 

Bethel College Music & Theater

Bethel College choir

Bethel College students present a wide range of music and theater productions throughout their academic year as well as participating in special events in the Newton community. Jazz ensembles, vocal performances, operas, dramas and musicals are just some of the college's fine arts offerings, and many of these are free and open to the public. Tickets and schedules for Bethel College events are available at www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts or from the Thresher Bookstore in person or by calling 316-284-5205.

Blue Sky Sculpture

Blue Sky Sculpture

Newton's Blue Sky Sculpture is located in Centennial Park, near the intersection of 12th and Kansas Avenue. The sculpture has been designated one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art and was designed through the joint efforts of artists Phil Epp, painter and designer; Terry Corbett, ceramist and designer; and Conrad Snider, ceramist and designer.

The sculpture invites the viewer to consider how the natural Kansas sky and the art installation work together. Viewers are encouraged to pause at the viewing pad near the parking lot to watch the movement of the natural sky against the stationary cobalt-glazed tiles. A path and steps leading to the sculpture itself offer visitors additional opportunities for interaction as they are encouraged to touch the tiles and sculpture. The park is always open and there is no admission fee. For more information about the sculpture and the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art, visit the Kansas Sampler Foundation's website.

Carriage Factory Art Gallery

Interior of Carriage Factory Art Gallery

Carriage Factory Art Gallery features works by local and regional artists for sale in its three galleries, special exhibits and gift shop. The nonprofit gallery is located at 128 E. Sixth St., a block off of Main Street in downtown Newton in a historic carriage factory building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission to the gallery is free. Visit the gallery's website for current exhibit information.

 

Harvey County Historical Museum

Outside of Harvey County Historical Museum
The Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, 203 N. Main, features interactive exhibits including an 1887 furnished one-room schoolhouse, USO/World War 11 piano with more than 4,000 signatures and special exhibits. Feeling nostalgic? Check out the museum's vintage game corner that features a working Pac-Man video game machine that's free for patrons to play. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. For more information, call 316-283-2221 or visit their website.

 

 

Historic Downtown

Downtown Walking Tour brochure cover
Explore the history of Newton's two Downtown National Historic Districts block-by-block with this guide. The walking tour provides information about current and past buildings. Copies are available at City Hall, Newton Public Library, Anderson's Book & Office Supply or online.

 

If you would like to learn more about the history of Newton you can visit our historical tour. The tour is filled with details and pictures of historical events and happenings. You can also view the tour by downloading the Pocket Sights app on your phone. The tour on your phone will show you the history of the location that your at or lead you on a guided walking tour. 

The Historic Newton Coloring & Activity Book is a great way to get children involved in learning the history of Newton. The book includes 9 historical sites to stop at, all in the downtown area, as well as information on the historical events that helped to found Newton as well as the cultural influences that have helped to shape the community. The activity book is designed for kids to enjoy hands-on learning along the route. It can be used as a companion to the Historic Newton Downtown Walking Tour. Both guides are available at various locations in downtown Newton and at City Hall.

Kauffman Museum

Outside of Kauffman Museum

The Kauffman Museum offers an indoor/outdoor experience for its patrons. Inside, the museum features permanent displays about the cultural and natural history of the plains and the immigration of Mennonites to Kansas, including the "Save America's Treasures" collection of Mennonite immigrant furniture. The museum shop offers puzzles and toys for children, wheat weaving, jewelry, books and items produced by local artists. The museum grounds also feature a tallgrass prairie reconstruction, an 1875 house and 1886 barn. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and is located on the corner of 27th Street and North Main Street in North Newton on the campus of Bethel College. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children 6-16. Learn more

 

Newton Community Children's Choir

Children's Choir standing on steps
Newton Community Children's Choir is an auditioned choir of fourth through eighth grade students from Newton and surrounding communities. The choir performs several concerts in the Newton area each yearLearn more

 

 

 

 

Newton Community Murals

Sunflower Mural
Newton is home to a variety of murals and outdoor art. The Newton Murals & Arts Project has spearheaded several public artworks around town, including a number of community crowdsourced projects. Learn more or download a map of murals

 

 

 

Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra

Musicians play trombones in orchestra
Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra comprises professional musicians, community players, music educators and advanced high school and college students performing classical music in the Newton and mid-Kansas area. The orchestra performs fall and winter classics concerts, a pops concert, Bethel Masterworks concert and a summer chamber music concert. Admission to the events varies. Tickets are available online and at the symphony office. Performances are held at various venues in and around Newton. Learn more

 

Newton Public Library

Kids listen to book at library storytime
Newton Public Library offers, books, resources, services and programs for all ages. Monthly programs include several book clubs, programs for kids and teens, historical and community interest presentations, genealogy and photography groups, and more. Design work and fundraising is underway for a new library building. Learn more

 

 

 

Warkentin House Museum

Exterior of Warkentin House in fall
The Newton home of Bernhard and Mina Warkentin was built in 1886-87 and is a splendid example of the Victorian Period. This home offers a glimpse into the way the Warkentins lived, since 80 percent of the original furnishings remain. Interior details include Italian tiled fireplaces, Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers, Lincrusta-Walton wainscoting. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is located at 221 E. First St. It is open April to December and by appointment from January through March. Admission is $4 for adults and teens and $2 for youth 5-12. For more information or to schedule a tour, email the houseLearn more