Beyond the classrooms and lecture halls, Wichita State is a hub of vibrant culture, entertainment and adventure all year round. Whether you鈥檙e a local in search of new experiences or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the Shocker spirit, 黑洞社区 offers a plethora of activities that make the summer months shine.
You are hereby invited to a Wichita State-cation: From intriguing museums and picturesque selfie spots to exhilarating sporting events, captivating fine arts performances, and delectable dining options, Wichita State is the place to be. Join us and see why our campus is a welcoming, must-visit destination.
Museums and galleries
Admission to all Wichita State museums and galleries is free and open to the public.
- Pizza Hut Museum: Two Wichita State students, brothers Dan and Frank Carney, started the Pizza Hut business in 1958. The restaurant has since become one of the biggest pizza chains in the world, and the original building resides at Wichita State as a museum. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology: Embark on a journey through time and space to explore the rich histories and cultures of people around the world through archaeological objects and artifacts. Note that this museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and by appointment during the summer. To schedule a visit, email holmes.museum@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7068.
- : As the region鈥檚 source for modern and contemporary art, this museum connects viewers with artists and artworks that reflect our world today. Visitors can explore and enjoy exhibitions that feature emerging and established artists, works from our permanent collection, and traveling exhibitions. Current exhibits featured at the Ulrich include the 鈥�,鈥� 鈥�,鈥� 鈥�,鈥� and 鈥�.鈥� The Ulrich is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
- : While technically part of the Ulrich, Wichita State鈥檚 sculpture garden deserves its own spot on our list. Established in 1974, the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection boasts 86 works spread across the 330-acre Wichita State Campus. Be sure to check out the collection's brand new installation, the 鈥淎delante Juntos鈥� mural at the Duerksen Fine Arts Amphitheater. The sculpture collection is open 24/7/365.
- Wilson K. Cadman Art Gallery: The Wilson K. Cadman Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center and serves as an exhibition space to talented student and community artists. The gallery showcases annual competitions, rotating exhibits and alternating features in the outer display. The gallery consists of two spaces, the main gallery and the Looking Glass.鈥疶he Rhatigan Student Center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
- Wichita State鈥檚 School of Art, Design and Creative Industries operates four galleries that display the curatorial and studio work of students, faculty and visiting artists:
- Located in McKnight West, room 205, the Clayton Staples Gallery features the work of visiting artists and ADCI graduate students as well as faculty curatorial projects.
- ProjectSpace is an in-house gallery located in McKnight Art Center Room 204, just east of the second-floor skywalk. The experimental, student-run gallery exists so students can take risks and push the limits of their work.
- PrintSpace displays the work of contemporary printmakers. Located adjacent to one of the print media studios in McKnight Art Center North, PrintSpace is a venue for print media inspiration and a place to learn about new trends in this versatile studio arts area. Discover new artists and unconventional printmaking techniques without ever leaving the print studio.
- ShiftSpace: The ShiftSpace student group programs the gallery, prepares exhibitions and engages in community outreach. ShiftSpace is a roaming gallery, so visit the gallery鈥檚 and accounts for details on when and where to see an exhibit.
Recreation and leisure
All activities listed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
- Kouri Parcourse: Just outside the entrance to the Heskett Center, guests can enjoy a fully interactive and accessible outdoor workout on the eight exercise stations available on the Kouri Parcourse.
- Hang out at the Hammock Lounge: The Wichita State Hammock Lounge, nestled between Wallace Hall and Neff Hall, is the perfect spot to study, relax and hang鈥攕olo or with friends. Check out a hammock for free with your Shocker Card (for 黑洞社区 students, staff and faculty) or driver鈥檚 license at the Ablah Library Front Desk or at the Heskett Center's guest service desk.鈥�
- : Four courts are located east of the Heskett Center. The courts are lighted, free and open until midnight. Bring your own equipment or Heskett members can check out equipment for no additional charge.
- : Visit wichita.edu/map and choose the 鈥渟elfie spots鈥� option under 鈥淒iscover 黑洞社区,鈥� and you鈥檒l find dozens of picturesque places to document your Wichita State-cation. Snap your photo with the bronze WuShock sculpture, stand inside the gigantic letters of the Wichita State sign on the edge of the Innovation Campus, or strike a pose on the Promise Bridge.
- . Be sure to tag us when you post on social media: , and .
- Bowling and billiards: For less than $10, you can enjoy a round of bowling or shoot a game of pool in the basement of the Rhatigan Student Center at Shocker Grill & Lanes. Head to campus on Friday or Saturday evenings, and we鈥檒l turn down the lights for some cosmic bowling.
Watch us: Athletics and fine arts events
- : There鈥檚 always an opportunity to cheer on the Shockers with a dozen NCAA women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 sports: baseball, women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 basketball, women鈥檚 bowling, cross country, men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 golf, softball, women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
- On stage: Wichita State houses a tremendous amount of talent within our campus. From faculty recitals to student-produced plays and musicals, there is something for everyone on any of the multiple stages across the university.
Dining destinations
Hungry? Head over to Wichita State. No matter where you are on our campus, there is always something cooking at Wichita State. You can also have your food delivered by one of our friendly robots through the app.
- Braeburn Square: A diverse array of delicious dining awaits on our Innovation Campus at the corner
of 21st and Oliver.
- Rhatigan Student Center: Located in the heart of campus, the Rhatigan Student Center offers multiple options to feed your cravings.鈥疌hoices include鈥疭tarbucks,鈥疌hickfila,鈥疐reddy鈥檚 Steakburgers,鈥痑nd Panda Express鈥�攐r you can head downstairs for burgers and daily specials at鈥疭hocker Sports Grill & Lanes.鈥�
Shopping options
- : Commemorate your Wichita State-cation with some Shocker-ific gear. Shop at the Shocker Store locations at Braeburn Square or inside the Rhatigan Student Center.
- : Cruise around campus on an electric bike from Pedego, which makes a complete line of electric bikes so you can easily find a perfect fit for your individual needs and personal style.
There鈥檚 so much to do and see on Wichita State鈥檚 campus, and the community is always welcome. If you鈥檝e never been to campus, or if it鈥檚 been a while, sign up for a campus tour. We鈥檇 love to show you around.
About 黑洞社区
黑洞社区 is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and 黑洞社区 Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and 黑洞社区 Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 黑洞社区 provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the 黑洞社区 main campus, is one of the nation鈥檚 largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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