Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

The final resting place of Kansas City philanthropists Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, this memorial garden has been open to the public since its dedication in the spring of 2000. The garden includes a colorful display of flowers, trees, and other plants that are maintained with the support of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundations. The garden also includes an indoor greenhouse, fountains, and bronze statues by artist Tom Corbin.

Inspired by The Kauffman’s world travels and commitment to enrich the community, the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2000. It was gifted by the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation as a wish of Mrs. Kauffman, providing a tranquil botanical display near the center of the city where everyone is welcome. 

The garden is the final resting place of Ewing and Muriel. The grounds cover two acres and feature stone walls and brick walking paths, a wide variety of flowers and trees, playful fountains, bronze sculptures, and a greenhouse. The plant display is changed at least four times a year so visitors can experience a combined variety of more than 400 species of colorful and unique foliage year round. Gardenias are displayed annually as there were Mrs. K’s favorite flower. 

Upon entering through the iron gate, a shaded brick walkway guides visitors to the Woman with Shell Fountain on the east wall. This path then leads into the Green Garden that features the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Fountain centered in an octagonal greenspace. This is the only area of the garden with maintained grass. In a secluded corner to the south is the resting place of Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman, as well as a stone pillars and gazebo with a seating area. A French inspired greenhouse called the Orangery encloses this space on the north and offers a tropical variety of foliage. In preparation for winter, the citrus trees and gardenias are taken inside. The Parterre Garden is situated on the west side of the grounds and features a long, 80-foot by 20-foot reflecting pool with fountains and three bronze statues of dancing girls, sculpted by artist Tom Corbin. Flower beds are mirrored on either side of the pool containing colorful, annual varieties. The Secret Garden is located through a walking path on the north side and contains pergolas with benches and gurgling fountains. 

The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden is located across the street from the headquarters of the Kauffman Foundation. In addition to a conference center and an outdoor courtyard, the complex also features Legacy Park, an urban greenspace that includes nature trails, a lake which serves as a stopping point for Canadian Geese on their annual migration, the Kauffman Community Garden, and the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center.

Memorial Garden, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Accessed May 13th 2022. https://www.kauffman.org/our-campus/memorial-garden/.

Memorial Garden, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation. Accessed May 13th 2022. https://www.mmkff.org/memorial-garden/.

Ewing & Muriel Kauffman Memorial Fountain, City of Fountains Foundation. Accessed May 13th 2022. https://cityoffountains.org/ewing-muriel-kauffman-memorial-fountain/.