|
Jayhawk Boulevard - The University of Kansas stands high on a hill overlooking Lawrence. Early traders, explorers and families climbed the ridge that is now Jayhawk Boulevard to head west along the Oregon Trail. Erosion and construction have worn away the wagon wheel ruts but as the University grew, Jayhawk Boulevard emerged running parallel to the Oregon Trail. Now lined with 16 buildings that contain classrooms, museums, laboratories, auditoriums, cafeterias, a library and a chapel, Jayhawk Boulevard reflects more than 125 years of campus history. For a self-guided tour of historic Jayhawk Boulevard, stop by the Lawrence Visitor Information Center at North Second Street and Locust streets, just north of downtown across the Kansas River.
KU Natural History Museum - Established in 1866, this museum is nationally recognized for its public exhibits and collections as well as research and graduate education. The museum features realistic scenes of wildlife from Alaska to Mexico. Permanent exhibits include fossils of dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles, fish and birds. The museum is also home to Comanche – the horse that was the only U.S. Army survivor of the Battle at the Little Bighorn, and Annabelle, an impressive 50-foot-long, 140-million-year-old camarassaurus dinosaur. Annabelle was found in Wyoming along with an adult male and baby camarasaurus, the first discovery of such a family grouping. Located in Dyche Hall (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) at 14th Street and Jayhawk Boulevard. (785) 864-4450
Lawrence Arts Center - The Lawrence Arts Center serves the community and region by providing an extensive calendar of exhibitions, performances and classes. Housed in spacious, new quarters, the Arts Center is the hub of arts activities in Lawrence. 940 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, 785-THE ARTS, 785-843-2787
Lawrence Community Theatre - Enjoy live theatre in an intimate setting at the Lawrence Community Theatre. This redesigned church seats theatre-goers in tiered seating on three sides of a thrust stage. Six major productions each season offer entertainment ranging from musicals to the latest works by area playwrights. The Lawrence Community Theatre is located at 1501 New Hampshire, on the southwest corner of 15th and New Hampshire Streets (one block east of Massachusetts Street), 785-843-7469.
Lied Center of Kansas - The University of Kansas' $14.3 million performing arts center will enthrall you with Broadway favorites, magical family entertainment, breathtaking dance and elegant music. Ranked by International Arts Manager Magazine as one of "The Top U.S. University Presenters," the Lied Center boasts state-of-the-art acoustical and technical integrity. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling 785-864-ARTS (2787).
Old West Lawrence - Historically, the Old West Lawrence neighborhood was home to society's elite, making it a target for Quantrill's raiders in 1863. Most of the homes were destroyed and few remained after the massacre. Today, Old West Lawrence is one of the few neighborhoods listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was a finalist in the "America's Prettiest Painted Places" competition. The neighborhood is located just two blocks west of downtown Lawrence between Tennessee and Indiana streets (east to west) and Sixth and Eight streets (north to south). For a self-guided tour of the neighborhood, stop by the Lawrence Visitor Information Center at North Second and Locust streets, just north of downtown across the Kansas River.
Spencer Museum of Art - The Spencer is best known for its Asian ceramics, prints and paintings, European and American paintings and decorative art. Medieval through contemporary works, photography and textiles are displayed. The collection includes works by Hiroshige, Rossetti, Homer, O'Keeffe, Benton and Chihuly. Located west of the Kansas Union on Mississippi Street.
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics - Located in a striking 28,000-square-foot structure on KU's West Campus, the Dole Institute opened in July 2003. The Institute houses exhibits tracing half a century of Kansas and American history. A 23-foot stained glass American flag forms the backdrop to displays including Dole's World War II uniform, as well as other artifacts, videos and historic photographs. In addition, the building serves as a research center; Dole's personal papers comprise the world's largest congressional collection. 2350 Petefish Drive
Lawrence, Kansas 66045, 785-864-4900.
The University Theatre - KU's internationally renowned University Theatre offers a wide array of classical, musical and contemporary productions in three major series – The University Theatre Series, William Inge Memorial Theatre Series and KU Theatre for Young People Series, plus the popular Kansas Summer Theatre. Now in its 77th season, The University Theatre is housed in Murphy Hall. Visually stunning production and high-quality student performances are two of the hallmarks of KU theatre productions. Murphy Hall is located at the corner of 15th Street and Naismith Drive on the KU campus.
Watkins Community Museum of History - This community museum specializes in exhibits dealing with Lawrence history. Past exhibits have included "James Naismith: The Basketball Man," "Lucy Hobbs Taylor: First Woman Dentist" and "Voices of the Civil War," a traveling national exhibit. For those who are young at heart, you can also visit the children's room. HOURS: Tuesday,Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am-9pm -Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am-4pm - Closed Sunday, Monday and Holidays. 1047 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, (785) 841-4109
|