Founded in 1933, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of the country's premier art museums and is well regarded around the world. Its collection is comprehensive, consisting of artworks spanning almost every culture around the globe. It is located in a beautiful Beaux Arts building constructed in 1933 and the modern Bloch Building addition built in 2007. Regions showcased at the museum are: Africa, America, Europe, China, Japan, and South and Southeast Asia. Paintings, sculpture, furniture, ancient artifacts, photographs, decorative arts, works on paper, and everyday objects comprise the collection, which contains 35,000 works of art. The date range of the collection spans from as far back as ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, to today. Numerous works by famous artists are included in the collection such as Caravaggio, Titian, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, Benton, Bosch, and Degas. The museum's logo is derived from the large badminton shuttlecock sculptures created by Claes Oldenburg that are located on the museum grounds.
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is Missouri’s largest contemporary art museum. It includes over 700 works of art in its permanent collection and myriad changing exhibits across three locations in Kansas City’s downtown art district. As a free museum that has been open to the public since 1994, the Kemper emphasizes the beauty and historical significance of the modern art movement after the 1913 Armory Show, which is widely considered to be a substantial benchmark in the evolution of modern art. Over 100,000 visitors come to the museum every year to discover some essential works from Georgia O’Keefe, Robert Motherwell, Nancy Graves, Frank Stella, and many others. Architectural enthusiasts can also wonder at the work of Gunner Birkerts, who created the Kemper Museum’s 23,200-square-foot building that has endured as a visually stunning staple of the architectural brilliance found throughout Kansas City.
Originally founded as the Sketch Club in 1885, Kansas City Art Institute has become a fully accredited, private four-year college of art and design. The school was first named the Fine Arts Institute of Kansas City but was changed in 1920. KCAI acquired its permanent home here in 1927 with the generous purchase and donation of the August R. Meyer residence, now Vanderslice Hall. Once the hub for all campus activity, it now acts as the school’s administrative office. Many renowned local artists have attended and taught throughout the years, including Walt Disney, Thomas Hart Benton, and Leonard Pryor. Over time, the Institute has undergone many renovations and improvements. Today, KCAI offers 13 majors in the B.F.A program, two art galleries and many programs both on and off campus.
The World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City Missouri, is recognized by the United States government as the nation's official World War I museum. The landmark began as the Liberty Memorial, a monument created from 1921-1926 to honor Kansas City residents who had died during the war. The memorial was the product of tremendous community organization. Prominent locals operated a planning community, and city residents crowdfunded over $2.5 million for the project in less than two weeks. The monument draws from various architectural styles, including Beaux Arts Classicism and Egyptian Revival, and features an illuminated, 217-foot, limestone shaft at the center. Renovations starting in 1998 included the expansion of a World War I museum underneath the monument. It reopened in 2006 as the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The museum portion of the complex includes thousands of artifacts as well as the Edward Jones Research Center. The Liberty Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark.
The performance home of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Kansas City Ballet, this 1800-seat theater was designed to mirror the audience experience of the world's finest opera houses and hosts numerous touring performances each year. Kansas City philanthropist Muriel McBrien Kauffman began the effort that would culminate in the 2011 dedication of this performing arts center in 1994. Today, the Kaufman Center serves as the home of the Kansas City Ballet and the Kansas City Symphony while also hosting special events throughout the year. The Kauffman Center is also home to Helzberg Hall, which is home to the Kansas City Symphony. In addition to this performing arts center, Muriel Kauffman is remembered for her many years of service to the community through many philanthropic endeavors, and her legacy continues today through the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation which supports the arts in the Kansas City area.
Built in 1912, the Gem Theater, originally named the Star Theater, served Kansas City's African American population as a “silent movie palace” (VisitKC). It was renamed the Gem Theater in 1913 and soon became an “established fixture” in the 18th & Vine district. Eventually, the theater switched from movies to live performances before falling into disrepair after the 1960s. However, unlike many other architectural landmarks of 18th & Vine's jazz age, the Gem Theater escaped the razing that took place in the 1970s and 1980s as part of urban development projects. In the 1990s, the theater was renovated in a process that removed much of the original interior to make space for a modern performance venue.
Since opening in 1997, the American Jazz Museum has offered a blend of traditional museum experiences centered on artifacts and interpretation along with performances and educational programs. The museum is located in the 18th and Vine Historic District, and its exhibits and programs are centered on the historical and artistic contributions of the musicians who lived and worked in this part of Kansas City. The museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs that are connected to the Blue Room, a working jazz club with nightly performances that are open to all. The Museum also operates the neighboring Gem Theater, a historic 500-seat performing arts center. In addition, staff work closely with area music educators and Mutual Musicians Foundation, a union that dates back to 1917. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the American Jazz Museum also presents music-related exhibits from the Smithsonian Institute.
This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.
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This tour highlights the role of art and culture in shaping the cultural landscape of Kansas City. As you drive to the sites on this tour, please take some time to look at them and admire how they have contributed to Kansas City's rich heritage!
