Renewing the Flame atop the Liberty Memorial

Published: April 19, 2024 | Updated: April 19, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo.- Refreshing an Iconic Landmark

The iconic Liberty Memorial has been a celebrated feature on the Kansas City skyline for nearly a century. The awe-inspiring “Flame of Inspiration,” visible for miles in the night sky, has become a beacon for residents and visitors alike.

However, many are unaware that the vibrant flame is not a product of gas or fire, but an intricate combination of steam and lighting effects. In a recent exclusive reveal, we had the opportunity to view these internal mechanisms at work.

The Replacement of the Boiler Feed Tank

The replacement of a boiler feed tank in the mechanical room of the Liberty Memorial was recently completed. It is here, in the rarely-seen bowels of the memorial, where the magic of the flame occurs.

Chris Wyche, Vice President of Facilities for the WWI Museum and Memorial, described the process. An old boiler feed tank that had been leaking was replaced with a new, technologically advanced model destined to last for decades. The functioning is quite straightforward – water is heated in this tank, then transported to the boiler, and finally directed to the tower through pipes.

Wyche was particularly proud of the engineering marvel this represented, given the distance the steam traveled from the lower level to the top of the tower is a staggering 250 feet. The LED lights placed atop the Memorial brilliantly illuminate the released steam, creating the illusion of a flame.

Other Updates in Progress

A multitude of other improvements are concurrently being executed at the Museum. A gallery refresh, sidewalk replacements, electrical upgrades, and extensive cleaning efforts including the replacement of limestone sections, and the general cleaning of the museum grounds and memorial itself.

Wyche shared most of these projects expect completion around Memorial Day, ensuring a shining new face for the Stars and Stripes Celebration on July 4. “Once we get to summer,” he gleefully shared, “it will be a beautiful sight.”

The WWI Museum and Memorial staff take their responsibility of maintaining this significant piece of Kansas City very seriously. “We see ourselves as a meeting place, a gathering spot for the city where events happen and where major moments are marked in our city’s history,” shared Wyche.

Make sure to mark the calendar, as we all eagerly anticipate the stunning spectacle the improved Liberty Memorial promises to present at the forthcoming Stars and Stripes Celebration.