Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

We were early getting into Chanute today so I searched for something to see. Not much in this little town but did see a Museum so I decided to take the boys here. They were a little apprehensive to go but said that was fine. Free parking when we arrived and I guess on Saturday it's free to enter. The lady at the desk took us in to watch a short video. Although I wasn't sure I wanted to watch it, it really is a must see. You understand so much as you walk through the museum with that short 10 min video. It's really a must see if you are not familiar with what the museum is all about. The best part of this was my boys really enjoyed it. From the interactive musical instruments you are allowed to play with and the gong which they hit multiple times, they really had a good time.

This is the greatest museum in all of Kansas! It's such an incredible story of two incredible people, there are so many firsts - including the first film footage of cannibals, but all of it is beyond impressive. Conrad the curator has become our friend, as our great uncle Kenny is from Chanute and lived here all his life. The gift shop is a must stop, and make sure to watch the movie, they truly are an incredible couple. Between this and the fact that Octave Chanute was instrumental in the Wright brothers quest for flight, Chanute Kansas has more history than most towns in the United States.Friendly, informative, well curated, and adjacent to the library - call and make sure that someone is there and give yourself at least an hour to make your way through the stunning exhibitions.After you've explored, and had your own intellectual Safari, take a rest on uncle Kenny's bench out front of the museum. He was one of Chanute Kansas's foremost intellectuals, and one of the kindest, most incredible men to have ever lived. It is very fitting that he is memorialized on a bench for thinking; outside of this incredible museum. He explored the Safari of life with vigor, voraciousness, and vitality. He will always be remembered in Chanute and this museum will always have a special place in the Olson, Davis and Miller families' heart. I've bought all the movies and almost all the items you can buy in the gift shop, and they have been a delight to watch and gift to other fellow Kansas natives (and non-natives alike!).Long live Martin and Osa Johnson! Long live the memory of our great uncle Kenny! May their memories live on!A must see if you are within one to ten thousand miles of Chanute,Hope to see you there!-tj&k8 Miller

What a little gem of a museum in a small Kansas town. Kids will love the masks from different tribes and the photos will fascinate adults. Everything from monkeys to cannibals.

The safari museum in Chanute is not only a fantastic tribute to Martin and Osa but is also quite informative about their travels and the culture of what they filmed, the staff is courteous, knowledgeable and entertaining. Nestled in the heart of Chanute which is a town rich with history, the museum is the centerpiece of the town. It host many artifacts from around the world and the photos and displays are exciting as well as educational. The safari museum is perfect for anyone of any age who is interested in adventure, travel and history..... 10 stars all the way......

It's no Smithsonian. Come on, it's in a town of 10K, 2 hours from any "real" city.Fact of the matter is, small museums like this are only open to the public only as a matter of course. Most of their traffic is going to be from biographers or people wanting specific references which only this location has. And the odd schoolgroup with nothing better to do. It's a matter of preserving history so people can learn from it.If you've seen "A Series of Unfortunate Events", you've seen a photo of the Johnsons. Traveled to the National Air and Space Museum in DC? There's a small corner dedicated to these adventurous film-makers. This museum is more than it appears.You have to understand. Martin and Osa lived at the turn of the century. Their ways of thinking and conversing we're vastly different that those of today. If you want history candy-coated, you don't want history. You want a happy story, and you're not going to find that in the non-fiction section. The Johnsons' films and books are often condescending in the way they speak of people of color, shocking in the wastefulness of the cost of animal lives. It's history. Unvarnished history. Get over it and learn from it. When you know better, DO better.These are two amazing individuals with a wonderful story to tell. The exhibits are informative, the staff friendly and knowledgeable, with many wonderful anecdotes. Browse in the gift shop, and pick up a copy of "I Married Adventure".

It's a small, simple museum, but we loved it! The gentleman there was very educated on everything there & the video we watched was interesting! This museum was featured on the history channel. The gift shop is full of great things including local honey that was very inexpensive! Thanks to the museum, we also discovered a soda shop in town!

We'd read about this place in a book on day trips in Kansas and Missouri, checked out their website and decided to give it a whirl. First, the picture of the building is very deceiving. The building pictured does indeed house the Safari Museum, but it also houses the Chanute Library which takes up most of the building. The museum itself is very small and consists mostly of a bunch of African masks that are not labeled to provide any information regarding how old they were or where in Africa they were from. We were also shown an old VHS video of a TV news magazine story that was almost shocking as the footage showed Osa Johnson shooting animals that are now endangered. Apparently, these folks were big adventurers and were perhaps the first wildlife videographers, but they didn't treat their subjects respectfully and the museum that is supposed to honor them is a major disappointment.

Cute little museum. Lots of items for the kiddos to touch and experience, including musical instruments. We like the gift shop, too! Items range from small dollar trinkets for the kids to take home, to beautiful pieces I would display in my home. The story of Martin & Osa's adventures is inspiring to young and old alike!

How often do you get a chance to add a little African flavor to your life? This museum has some striking historical artifacts and information from a time when life was not quite politically correct, conservationist minded or racially sensitive. We have come a long way and the Safari Museum has done a great job of compiling the works of Martin & Osa Johnson as photographers and explorers of their time. The museum consistenty rotates exhibits and offers many types of educational programs to keep this history alive. There is a lot of information available for researchers too - including a special collection of photographs by Elizabeth Main LeBlond. You can view and purchase photographs online as well. Definitely a cultural highlight in Chanute, Kansas.

Small museum with an amazing story of love and adventure!Martin and Osa Johnson's story from the small towns of Chanute & Independence, Kansas to Hollywood and New York on the big screens is one truly amazing adventure. But their adventures in remote locations of the world is just as incredible. If you've ever seen a Tarzan movie then you've seen wild animal and tribe footage of Martin and Osa's work. They're story is given , along with wonderful artifacts and personal items. Take your time in here and be sure to watch the long version film they offer. ALSO, don't miss making a visit to their gravesite (just ask for directions from the folks at the museum). A hidden story in a small town well worth making a drive to.