The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-renowned art museum located in Kansas City, Missouri – and one of the first spots I checked out upon moving to Kansas City last year. It is a GEM! The museum was established in 1933, and since then, it has grown to become one of the most visited attractions in KC. I now understand why. This museum is worth adding to your next Midwest road trip itinerary.
Here are five fun facts about the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art:
@mariahhaberman 5 fun facts about the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, MO: 1. The lawn was named one of "America's top 10 lawns with a view" and features the iconic Shuttlecocks installation. 2. The museum itself is massive: There are more than 42,000 art objects and six stories. 3. You'll find art here from nearly every continent and culture. 4. It's home to the "prettiest museum cafe in the Midwest," according to Travel Holiday Magazine. 5. It's completely free! #fyp #foryou #kansascity #kc #kcmo #missouri #kansascitymo #nelsonatkins #museum #museumtiktok #visitkc #art #kansascitymissouri #chiefskingdom #museumtok #museummoment ♬ Orinoco Flow (Sail Away) [Single Version] - Enya
- The museum’s original building was a gift from two wealthy Kansas City residents.
The museum’s main building, which was completed in 1933, was a gift from William Rockhill Nelson and Mary McAfee Atkins. The two residents bequeathed their collections of art and funds for the construction of the museum in their wills. The museum was named after the two donors, and their legacies continue to live on through the museum.
- It’s massive. The museum’s collection includes over 40,000 works of art on six stories.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has an extensive collection of art that spans from ancient times to modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Some of the most famous pieces in the collection include Caravaggio’s “Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness,” Van Gogh’s “Olive Trees,” and Monet’s “Water Lilies.”
- The museum is home to a unique sculpture garden.
The museum lawn is just as famous as the museum itself. Come early or stay late to stroll the grounds and the museum’s unique sculpture garden, which covers 22 acres and features more than 40 sculptures from various artists. One of the most famous sculptures in the garden is “Shuttlecocks” by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The four giant shuttlecocks are positioned as if they have been hit into the ground and serve as a playful commentary on the formal gardens surrounding them.
- The museum is free!
Unlike many other art museums, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission to all visitors. This has helped to make the museum a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The museum also hosts a variety of free events and programs, including lectures, concerts, and family-friendly activities.
- The museum has a world-class conservation lab.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a state-of-the-art conservation lab that is dedicated to preserving and restoring works of art. The lab employs a team of conservators who specialize in a variety of materials, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The lab also hosts interns and fellows who are studying conservation and offers workshops and training for professionals in the field. How cool is that?
Bonus: One of my favorite areas in the museum is the Rozelle Court Restaurant, which was designed in the style of a 15th century Italian courtyard. It is absolutely stunning. Even Travel Holiday magazine agrees; the publication named Rozelle the “Prettiest Museum Cafe in the Midwest”.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an exceptional museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a vast collection of art from around the world. From its impressive collection to its beautiful sculpture garden, the museum is, in a word: extraordinary. And with free admission, there’s no excuse not to visit one of Kansas City’s most beloved attractions.
