“Internationally recognized for its outstanding collection of more than 33,500 objects”
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its outstanding collection of more than 33,500 objects. Highlights include Chinese art and modern sculpture. In 2007, TIME magazine ranked the museum's new Bloch Building number one on its list of "The 10 Best (New and Upcoming) Architectural Marvels" which considered candidates from around the globe. While the museum is well known for it's modern sculptures, it's less known for housing hundreds of religious relics, including one that is believed to be the finger bone of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ's first cousin. The museum was built on the grounds of Oak Hall, the home of Kansas City Star publisher William Rockhill Nelson. When he died in 1915, his will provided that upon the deaths of his wife and daughter, the proceeds of his entire estate would go to purchasing artwork for public enjoyment. This bequest was augmented by additional funds from the estates of Nelson's daughter, son-in-law and attorney.. Admission to the Museum is free every day and visitors may use any of seven entrances to access building. The main visitor's desk is in the Bloch Building. On the north side of the museum, A reflecting pool now occupies part of the J.C. Nichols Plaza on the north facade and contains 34 occuli to provide natural light into the parking garage below. The casting of The Thinker which occupied this space prior to the renovations has been relocated to south of the museum.
This is everything a public museum ought to be: large, well-organized, very well-curated, with an extensive collection of art of every kind. I never miss it when I visit KC.
What a gem of a surprise! First learned of the museum from a local on the plane and I was intrigued by the giant shuttlecocks (who wouldn’t be, right?!). Was blessed to visit on a beautiful summer day. Amazing collection inside and out in the museum.
Did not go into the building but the sculptures air did were amazing the kids lover running around. The glass maze was the highlight!
Free admission although they are fully sponsored via donations so give what you can. While the outside is gorgeous and a great place for a picnic it’s the inside that I love! They have a great collect but they also bring in the best visiting collects. Our family goes all the time.
For lack of time, we actually just drove around the building a few times and took pictures of the artwork (mostly in the sculpture garden) that we could see. The main thing we came to see was the World's Largest Shuttlecock. My family grew up playing badminton, and thought this would be a fun stop on our vaca. I'd like to spend more time going through the inside of the exhibits next time we are in the area.
Wonderful juxtaposition of classical and modern! The sculpture lawn and the original building are a rare combination for the US. Most US museums didn't have the luxury of acreage to look like European museums. The collection of Impressionism in the older section is a perfect preamble to the modern, pop, and contemporary in the new wing. The café was marvelous – a very nice space and menu. Well worth spending hours in here! Who knew such a jewel was in Kansas City?
I literally can't say enough good things about this museum. We were BLOWN AWAY, our jaws constantly dropped at the pieces that were in this incredible museum. We had our 7 & 10 year old daughters and they absolutely loved it too! And it's FREE?! I want to go back!!
Great Statues
Home of the Giant shuttle Cocks. And Free parking on the Street
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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Hours
- Sun, Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wed: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thu, Fri: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
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