Experience the Museum of Art and Light in Manhattan, KS – A Sensory Adventure You Don’t Want to Miss

Art has always held a special place in the hearts of Manhattanites, and our amazing community continues to support and celebrate creativity in all its forms. From the Murals of Manhattan and the Manhattan Arts Center to the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art and McCain Performance Hall, the Little Apple’s love for the arts runs deep. And now, we’ve added a new gem to our cultural crown—the Museum of Art and Light (MoA+L). The museum held its opening on November the 8th and has been enjoying visitors since!

Located right next to Downtown Manhattan, KS, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, and the Blue Earth Plaza. MoA+L is the vision of Robert and Tracey DeBruyn, long-time Manhattanites and owners of The Master Teacher. The museum was inspired by a trip they took to Paris, France, and the l’Atelier des Lumières (a digital art museum known for its immersive exhibitions).

Café Azul – The Perfect Start

We began our afternoon at Café Azul, the museum’s cafe that serves up local Radina’s favorites. I went for the Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda soup (a classic) and enjoyed it with a gorgeous view of Kansas Hill, the Discovery Center, the river, and those iconic Flint Hills. It was the perfect way to fuel up before heading into the exhibits.

MoA+L’s Three Levels of Art

MoA+L is divided into three levels, each with its own theme:

• Top Floor: Fine Art Gallery
• Second Floor: Digital Art
• Main Level: Immersive Experience

Fine Art – But Make It Fresh and Fun

We started at the top with the Fine Art Gallery. I was expecting a traditional walk-through, but within moments of stepping off the elevator, I realized this was something else entirely.

The collection features pieces from artists like Max, Picot, Chagall, and of course, Renoir. But here’s the twist—some works are paired with QR codes that trigger digital animations. The museum’s digital animation team created these interactive elements to deepen the viewer's connection to the artwork. It’s an unexpected, modern blend of tradition and technology that’s both clever and captivating.

Digital Art – Creativity Meets Code

Next up: the Digital Art floor. I’ll be honest, I’m no art historian, but this section had me geeking out. Think pixels, patterns, AI, and endless creativity coming together in one space.

Here, guests can try their hand at creating digital art using computers, blocks, and projectors. Visitor's can also listen to artist Sasha Stiles reading her piece aloud. It’s as immersive as it is thought-provoking. This level feels like a playground for creatives, where technology meets imagination in the coolest way possible.

The Immersive Experience – Renoir Like You’ve Never Seen

Finally, it was time for the main event: the immersive exhibition on the ground floor. The current feature is Mezmereyez—Renoir: A Luminous Evolution. And let me tell you, this experience is nothing short of magical.

When we walked in the room was completely dark room, then slowly, Renoir’s writings lit up the space around us. Shades of green shift into full-color imagery, and suddenly, we were surrounded by the painter’s world. This was my first immersive art experience, and I truly didn’t have words. It was breathtaking and emotional. It felt personal, like stepping inside a living painting of someone's life.

Then came the second room—and wow. As we walked in, the floor beneath us became a cobblestone street, and we literally walked through Renoir’s work. His life, his brushstrokes, his memories—all brought to life by the museum’s fabulous animation team. In addition to the art, I followed shadows around the room, watched fingers move in a painting, a dog jump on a dock, and birds fly right by me. And don’t even get me started on the Eiffel Tower that’s built around you at the very beginning!

Don't Miss a Moment

The immersive show lasts 45 minutes, and I’ll admit—I didn’t think I’d stay that long. But the time flew by, and honestly, it was hard to leave. I truly found myself marveling at it all. Between the detail, the storytelling, and the stunning execution, it was a true sensory experience. The amount of talent and work that went into animating Renoir’s legacy is nothing short of incredible.

As I left the Museum of Art and Light, one thing was certain: I’d be back. And I couldn’t wait to tell everyone I know—you must go. This is such a unique addition to Manhattan, KS, and something the whole community can be proud of.

Whether you’re an art lover, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for something new and inspiring to do in Manhattan, the Museum of Art and Light is a must-see. It blends art, innovation, and imagination in a way that’s completely unforgettable.