Categories: ArtEvents/What's HappeningKansas City, KSNews

Major Expansion Planned at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Conceptual design for the Nelson-Atkins Museum expansion with outdoor spaces.

News Summary

Kansas City is abuzz with news of a $170 million expansion project at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. With an emphasis on creating a harmonious outdoor area and modern amenities, this expansion follows a competitive design selection from six finalists. The fully private-funded project aims to enhance visitor experience while retaining the historical essence of the original structure. A public exhibition will showcase the innovative design proposals ahead of the winning design announcement in spring 2025.

Exciting News from Kansas City: Major Expansion Planned at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art!

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as the Nebraska-Atkins Museum of Art has announced a whopping $170 million expansion project. It’s been a while since the museum last expanded, with the last major addition being the underground Bloch Building that opened its doors back in 2007. Designed by the renowned architect Steven Holl, this new endeavor promises to bring even more charm and functionality to an already captivating space.

What’s the Buzz About?

The museum is not just looking to enlarge its space; it aims to create a harmonious outdoor gathering area that will seamlessly connect the vibrant sculpture park with the existing museum buildings. This is where the fun begins—an impressive international design competition saw a flood of creativity, drawing in an astounding 182 submissions from 30 different countries! After a careful review, the list has been narrowed down to a thrilling roster of six elite finalists.

Meet the Finalists

The six finalists showcasing their visionary ideas are:

Kengo Kuma & Associates (Tokyo)
Renzo Piano Building Workshop (Italy)
Selldorf Architects (New York)
Studio Gang (Chicago)
Weiss/Manfredi Architecture (New York)
WHY Architecture (Los Angeles)

This eclectic mix of talent has drawn the interest of many, and the museum is eager to hear from the public to gauge which designs resonate the most. From March 15 to June 1, visitors can check out the free exhibition titled “Building Belonging: Designing the Future of the Nelson-Atkins.” Folks will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative proposals.

What’s On the Horizon?

The ambitious expansion aims to develop an impressive 61,000 square feet of brand-new space while also sprucing up the historic 1933 building, originally designed by the firm Wight and Wight. Proposed features for this exciting new section of the museum include:

A dazzling new primary entrance and welcome foyer
A cutting-edge photography center
New dedicated galleries for featured exhibitions
Interactive learning and engagement spaces
A black box theater tailored for digital art and immersive experiences
An elegant restaurant that’s perfect for hosting events

No Tax Dollars Here!

Good news for local taxpayers—this exciting construction project will be fully funded by private donations, ensuring that no public funds will be used. The design team aims to create modern amenities while maintaining a smooth integration with the original 1933 structure, letting history and contemporary design dance together beautifully.

Next Steps on the Journey

The Architecture Selection Committee is slated to conduct interviews with the finalists in late spring of 2025, gearing up to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees. After much anticipation, the winning design will be unveiled in spring 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark project.

A Vision for the Future

With over 42,000 art objects in its extensive collection—including exceptional pieces from Asian, European, American, and African artists—the museum recognizes the need for expansion to better accommodate a growing audience. This transformative project aims not just to add space but to foster an atmosphere that makes every visitor feel a deep sense of belonging and well-being.

As Kansas City gears up for this exciting journey in the arts, the anticipation is building. Who will win the design competition? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the future of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art looks as bright as ever!