Visiting Kansas City's Museums

Kansas City, in the midst of transformation, was recently voted one of five "Destinations to Watch" 2009 by SmarterTravel.com. More notably, Kansas City was the only city in the United States to make SmarterTravel list. Kansas City was chosen because of it's "up and coming" attitude, burgeoning restaurant scene, downtown revitalization, and affordability for travelers. Kansas City really shines in the many cultural venues it offers the public. The art, theater, and musical choices are endless, with many venues recently remodeled and brand new ones sprouting up all the time. The museum scene in Kansas City is burgeoning as well, with a variety

Kansas City's premier museum, the Nelson Atkins, recently completed a renovation and addition to the main galleries. The renovation was a spectacular success, and the result is a beautiful space with amazing works of art available for viewing. In 2009, the Nelson-Atkins museum is celebrating its 75^th anniversary in Kansas City. The museum will celebrate the opening of the new Grand Hall, which displays works from important moments in American history. The recently completed Bloch Building, a contemporary addition to the main museum, is a work of art itself, glowing at night from inner lights. The main galleries are open to the public for free, and the museum is open everyday except Monday.

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is another important museum located in Kansas City. Opened in 1994, and known as the smaller museum, the Kemper packs a contemporary art punch with rotating and permanent exhibits. Come see works by Jasper Johns or Georgia O'Keefe. The Kemper has a nice café and museum store to shop. The museum is open every day except Monday and is free to the public.

Kansas City, with it's jazz history, is home to many outstanding music venues. Visit the American Jazz Museum and see displays about Duke Ellington or Ella Fitzgerald. The museum also features a wall of jazz album art, interactive musical listening and mixing stations and jazz history through art and film. The museum is open everyday except Monday, and is $10.00 or less for admission.

Located in the same building is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Here in the 18^th and Vine historic neighborhood that the Negro National League was created. The museum has film exhibits, photographs, memorabilia and bronze sculptures that tell the history of the league. The museum admission is $8.00 or less and open every day except Monday.

The Steamboat Arabia Museum is an unusual but fascinating place to visit. Located in Kansas City's River Market area, this museum features the recovery of a steamboat that sank on the mighty Mississippi over 130 years ago. The steamboat and its cargo were pulled from the earth and recreated for display. This museum is open 7 days a week except certain major holidays. Call ahead for rates to see the exhibit.

For Kansas City history and to learn how Kansas City got its start, visit the Kansas City Museum. Here, visitors learn about the Long family and Corinthian Hall, their beloved home. The Longs were vital in turning Kansas City into a modern town by building the city's first skyscraper. The museum is free and open everyday except Monday.
Visiting Kansas City's museums is a wonderful opportunity to see art and history at displayed at its very best. Most of the museums are free or inexpensive to visit, so it's easy to spend the day with the whole family visiting Kansas City's museums!