MANHATTAN (KSNT) – A new art museum is set to open its doors to the Manhattan community in the fall of this year. 

The construction of ‘The Museum of Art + Light’ is coming together piece by piece. The $60 Million project is funded by Kansas Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds, personal gifts from founders, community members and more. The state of Kansas, the entire Manhattan community and many more are behind the exciting new addition to the area. 

The museum hopes to blend traditional, digital and immersive experiences for visitors. 

27 News got to speak with Erin Dragotto, the Vice President of Development and Operations, about why Manhattan is the ideal place for an art experience like this.

“We look at this as an oasis to the arts for the United States,” Dragotto said. “It’s almost being dead center United States. Because we’re not near a major metro that not a lot of people have access to the arts.” 

Dragotto highlighted the issue of some not having immediate access to the arts. The museum has evolved from the idea of being able to bring the arts to everyone. 

When visiting the museum, you can expect some of the traditional things that normal museums would have, such as a cafe, museum store, lectures, programs and events. However, it’s the experience itself that sets this museum apart from others. 

“The experience itself is totally different than any other,” Dragotto said. “It’s fine art on a wall but also augmented with technology. It’s the immersive experience where you’re fully enveloped in the art itself.”

The museum will open this fall. We will keep you updated on its progress as we inch closer to the grand opening day. You can learn more about the museum by clicking here.

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