Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

We absolutely loved this museum. The exhibit with the fashion and art pairings was both thought provoking and entertaining. My absolute favorite thing at the museum was the “Salon for Possible Futures.” I could have spent all day there and was inspired and engaged with all of the details and also the way I felt as soon as I stepped in the space. It was immersive and cozy. Something about the room made my stress melt away and made me happy. I wish I had this room in my own house… something to aspire to. It is a brilliant use of space!

Wow!!!! Who knew that a free exhibit could be this amazing?? If you’re into fashion, I think you’re gonna love this!! So many details to look at! Make sure you do not touch anything or you will be warned! Two levels of artistic expression through fashion & art. Both the designer & the artist are from Missouri - St. Louis & Kansas City. Loved how the art & fashion went together. Often in a quirky, unexpected way! This event is for a few more months. Be sure to check it out before it disappears!!

An outstanding collection of outrageous couture fashion art. Absolutely gorgeous but most of all fun! A must see My 7 year old granddaughter loved it too.

This was my first foray to this museum and I was very impressed! Was lucky to see A Match Made in Heaven: Bernhardt x Scott. Wow. Amazing! The designs are incredible. I’ll be back to show my husband!

Went to see KB and JS a match made in heaven, and I have to admit it was absolutely stunning. They actually matched, and I had a lovely time walking through art and admiring their masterpieces, if you haven’t gone to see the collection, you should absolutely check it out.

This museum is small but with many interesting paintings. Current exhibition is out of my expectations. It is a good place to go during lunchtime

The current exhibit is remarkable!! The pairing of two artists whose work compliments each other perfectly! It is a not to be missed show, an absolute GEM! I have raved about it to all my friends and they are equally ECSTATIC about it! A MASTERPIECE!‼️ Thank you to Ms Northrop for curating the exhibition, and Debbie Korpi, our knowledgeable Docent, for filling us in on the details and bringing the work to life! ….It is sad that the show will not travel to other museums upon closing in KC.

This museum was a beautiful experience. And the attendants were very welcoming. I was in awe at the fashion exhibit the entire time.

My first time to this contemporary museum but not for lack of trying. This museum has wonderful and diverse programming for the family. And it's free. The museum's current exhibit is KC native Jeremy Scott (Moschino) & Katherine Bernhardt show thru aug. 3, 2025. This museum is a Johnson County treasure.

It's a charming museum! We had a great, quick visit for the rotating exhibit. The permanent collection was also really beautiful. Free, with easy parking - just a bonus. Next time we'll plan to grab a snack in the cafe on the first floor

Today I brought my grandson to check out this museum. Unfortunately, the lower section was closed and so it was only the upper area. I wish I would've known this before coming. I feel like the staff needs to be more welcoming. When I first arrived, I really wasn't greeted and I just told the woman that I was there to check out the museum and then she told me about the lower area being closed. I was the only person in the upper area and there was an attendant that watched me every moment and really was quite uncomfortable. And then all of a sudden there was another attendant watching me that wasn't there before either. Neither spoke to me the entire time I was there until the very end one of them said thank you for coming in. But I just feel like the place was not welcoming, and my grandchild was a baby who I was holding, so it's not like a child was running around with any risk of harming art. I really could not recommend the place unless it's adults and both sections are open.

Love this museum. Great home collection and nice rotation of exhibits. Plus the cafe has good food. Highly recommend!

Not much variety, seemed a little biased. Felt like a lot of wasted space, compared to the other museums in the area. You can't go wrong with free, but have been to the other free art museums in the area and this one doesn't compare.

If this is out of your way, across town or just not in your area, let me reassure you it is worth the drive and effort. The museum is free, small and typically has a rotating show on the ground floor and in the a small enclosed gallery near the front. The permanent collection is excellent with many examples of contemporary art that is sure to please and inspire you. Staff is abundant and present, they are watching! I don't mind people being diligent, but they are a bit overzealous and you get feeling they are following you from room to room assuming negative intent - come on man, I just looking at the art. Probably just me, so don't sweat it. Highly recommended!

Johnson County needs this museum. I was driving to the Nelson for my art fix. It's nice to know this is so close and it takes about 30 minutes to view the art. They are pretty helpful at the front desk and you can pick up a map to guide you through the museum and the sculptures around campus. Go on a weekday afternoon and it's like having your very own art museum.

We finally made it over to Nerman and really enjoyed it. In fact, my mom's been going once a week since then. The sculpture garden is empty. I don't know if it's just really new or what, but it'd be nice to get some sculptures out there. The staff really follow you closely, but I'm okay with that. I'm not planning on defacing any art and would hope no one else is planning to do so either, but some people are jerks. Anyway, we were hoping to try out their café, but it was closed on Saturday. That didn't seem to be mentioned on their website, but it kind of makes sense.

My ex-boyfriend and I were so comfortable here, we stole a kiss at this museum! This museum is a gem. I wish more people would venture into the brightly lit, spacious confines of this venue. JCCC did it right! It does seem odd that a small community college in the midwest would venture out and build such an amazing structure, housing such a unique collection of art. A museum of this caliber stands toe-to-toe with some of the great museums in this country. The permanent collections are simply amazing. As many times as I have been there, I never tire of the permanent collection. The metal coat is one of my favorites. No effort was wasted, however, on the traveling exhibits. There have been some outstanding pieces that have been displayed over the years. Awe inspiring, thought provoking, richness of color and thought- in many ways, I like the traveling exhibits as much as I enjoy the permanent. Whoever does the selecting for this museum does an outstanding job consistently. One thing I especially like about this museum is that they are not content. They are always looking for ways to reinvent themselves and to entice people to visit. They hold special night time events, they host nationally recognized guest speakers, they have workshops and they always strive to make the venue better. I remember on my first visit to this wonderful museum, there was a huge painting titled "The History of Metal". I love geology and could not wait to view all the details in this painting. "Metal" turned out to refer to music and not minerals. It was wonderful. I must have spent almost an hour looking at this piece of fascinating art. I knew then that there were creative minds behind the acquisitions. No one seems to rush you through and no one is stepping all over you to view exhibits. There is plenty of space and room. The docents are nice and helpful. They did not seem to mind at all when I kissed my ex-boyfriend. This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon at a leisurely pace while enjoying an amazing experience. Here is my "Like" list: 1. It is free. Yeah, that's right.. free 2. Very well designed- sleek, bright, comfortable (reference the kiss, above) 3. The collections are well chosen, thought provoking and displayed in a visually appealing manner 4. Staff is helpful and courteous 5. Parking is a breeze. There are always many spaces a stone's throw away from the museum (please, take my word for that and do not throw stones at the building!) 6. Again, admission is free My "Dislike" list: 1. No more gift shop. The gift shop was amazing and had some very interesting products for purchase. I miss the gift shop most of all.

Today was probably my 5th time to the Nerman. I love this place and wish it was more convenient to my home. It doesn't have the notoriety as does the Kemper in KCMO, but shouldn't feel like a step child to it. It is composed of several small galleries on 2 floors and just opened a new small glass enclosed area devoted to artists with ties to Kansas. They have a room with that is projecting an amazing clay motion movie by Allison Schulnik that is mesmerizingly scary and beautiful and most of all memorable. Another area of art is in the main building on campus, west of the performance spaces - it features 50+ pieces including a David Hockney. I'm not sure why this area is not promoted or linked to the Nerman. JCCC you have done well!!

Why is the Nerman a great Friday night date idea? 1. It's open late for a museum...till 9. 2. You can go there after eating in the great in-house restaurant, or 3. It's near Ruchi, which is awesome Indian eating 4. You'll challenge yourself to examine and think about modern art, especially if you are a traditionalist like myself. 5. It's human-scale, and not so large as to be overwhelming. Easily seen in one visit. 6. It's got a "media" area which shows different types of visual art, which I find fascinating. 7. It's free - who said great dates had to cost money? 8. Parking is a breeze. 9. it's not crowded in the least. 10. You need a 10th reason? :-) Fine, the museum's design itself, though not on the scale of Bilbao or the Getty, is a work of art, and one that is worthwhile.

Just a really nice museum. Have been several times and like to take out of towners for a visit. The museum guards WILL totally stalk you. But they have nice shows and it's a beautiful space.

I never write out of town reviews. I feel as though I'm usually not qualified, and don't want to get bogged down in the touristy-type reviews that a lot of out-of-towners visit. So I usually concentrate on my hometown of St. Louis. But in this particular case, I can't take it any longer. I must promote this place as much as I can. If you have even a passing interest in contemporary art, you must visit The Nerman. First things first. I'm not just some local yokel who sometimes goes to museums to look at all the perty pictures. I am a lover of art, particularly contemporary art, through and through. When I visit a city, one of the first things I do is check out their contemporary art galleries/museums, and I've been to them all over the world, from the contemporary art museums in Seoul and Barcelona, to The New Museum and PS1 in NYC, to the Rubell Collection in Miami, to the Dikeou Collection in Denver, I have a full background in visiting, studying, and appreciating art made after say...1980. That being said, the Nerman Museum in Kansas City is one of the best, if not the best, contemporary art museum I've ever visited. I say that knowing that other art lovers (particularly on the coasts) will scoff, roll their eyes, and generally ignore me. But that's ok. They haven't seen what I've seen in the many times I've visited over multiple years. A permanent collection featuring some of the most important artists working today, a constantly rotating exhibition schedule highlighting important movements, and kind knowledgeable staff that obviously knows their stuff. All housed in a state of the art, distinctive building appropriate for the times. Oh, and have I mentioned that it's free? Just like most people reading this, when I first heard of the Nerman when visiting KC, I figured since it was on the campus of a community college in the suburbs, I'd just take a quick stroll and be on my way. Little did I know what I was in for. The collection was selected with care and precision, and I ended up spending multiple hours here. One of the advantages of being a hidden gem is that there is never a big crowd here (outside of maybe opening nights, which I've never attended). Often when I visit I'll be the only person in a gallery. There are none of the dreaded lines-of-tape on the floor that keep you at arm's length, so you're free to get up close and personal with the works, with only the occasional concerned glance from the staff. I guess what I'm happiest about this museum is that it's the kind of place I can be proud of as a midwesterner. The Nerman has taken on a task that few attempt and even fewer succeed at, and they blew the doors off of it. They've out New Yorked New York, and have created a place that everyone should celebrate as something special, unique, and important in the contemporary art world. Citizens of Kansas City should support this institution mightily, and it is a must-visit every time I make the drive over. Nerman, you did it. I recognize your greatness, and now it's time that everyone else does. This is an overlooked museum that anyone with even a passing interest in art should visit. You walk in for free, and walk out with a new appreciation for art. And no one can put a price on that.

What a great contemporary museum. It's the perfect compliment to our other art museums in KC. I love the building, the permanent collection and the special exhibits that I've seen. The museum and the collection get a 5 star vote. But, there are some things that bring the review down a star. One, there is no (or not any more) gift shop. The gift shop space is closed off and empty.....disappointing as museum gift shops usually carry pretty unique items and gifts. Secondly, the restaurant has hours for ladies that lunch and retirees, both of which I love and aspire to be one day but does not currently work for me. They are only open for breakfast and lunch during the week, period. No dinner and no weekend hours. I'll never get to experience this restaurant that I've heard nice things about, very disappointing. Finally, the guards are crazy intense and every where. On my last visit I was the only person in the museum and the guards followed me from room to room and never spoke until I said "HI". I understand their purpose and respect what they are there for, but geezus, make a person feel welcome and give me some space to look around and not feel awkward. (take a lesson from the Nelson and the Kemper and see how they do it.) With all of that said, I think everyone should check this place out and support the arts in the suburbs as we all know they need as much diversity as possible. It's a five star place that deserves some attention with a couple of shortcomings that will hopefully change for the better one day soon.

The latest major addition to the Kansas City art scene. The Nerman is located on the campus of Johnson County Community College, at the intersection of College and Quivira in Overland Park. You can't miss the Nerman, it's the white building projecting like an iceberg from the red-brick JCCC complex! Like the other major art museums in Kansas City (the Nelson-Atkins and the Kemper) admission is FREE! The ground floor contains space for the frequent special exhibits (visit the Nerman's website for info on the latest shows). The second floor contains works from the museum's permanent collection. There are many very large and brilliantly colorful pieces, and a fascinating and serene gigantic samurai cloak constructed of endless military dogtags! The museum shop is small, but has some beautiful (and sometimes very costly) works for sale. On the main floor, in between the museum and the adjoining Regnier Center building, is the attractive Café Tempo, serving light meals most days (but not Sundays). Alternatively, there are a number of restaurants in the small shopping center just east across Quivira from the college campus, including Ricco's Italian Bistro, Greek Cuisine, Ichiban Sushi, etc. There's reserved museum parking just outside the museum building, but on weekdays it can still be full, and parking elsewhere at JCCC can be a challenge. Still, the Nerman is well worth visiting, even though it's in suburbia and a good half-hour drive from central Kansas City!

So I am not really sure if this a Museum owned and operated store (like the fabulous shop in the Phoenix Museum of Contemporary Art)- or a gallery kiosk in the Museum, either way this place rocks! So nice to visit a museum with local art and then be inspired to BUY local art! YES? And they were so friendly and helpful a la everyone from Kansas (not to be confused with Kansas City where everyone is miserable). Had a fabulous piece of ceramic shipped home! Thank you very VERY much Oh and I hate to say because I hate to drive up prices but- the prices were extremely reasonable!

The art was super cool, but the workers stared at and followed my boyfriend and I around the whole museum. It was super uncomfortable, but I'll still go back because the art was worth it

Nerman is a great spot on the JoCo scene. It's a nice way to spend some time, for free, while avoiding the crowds at the Nelson Atkins. Now, by some time, I mean either 45 minutes or 3 hours...you can probably do either, depending on your situation and love of art. I am not a huge contemporary art fan. Or at least...I am not a fan of what most people thing of contemporary art. You know that crap that's just two lines drawn on a canvas and put up in a museum? No thanks. I don't appreciate something that I can make, even if there is some deeper message that I am supposed to see. To me, the contemporary art at Nerman is actually contemporary ART. It's stuff that I am not, nor will I ever be, talented enough to create. I appreciate that...I like that. It's art, just made in the contemporary period. The feeling I get from the Nerman is that it's always quiet for the most part. There is a skeleton staff, but you can go through entire rooms without seeing another patron. You can spend 5 seconds or 5 minutes looking at the paintings. The entire place is clean, bright, airy...just very comfortable. Parking is easy. Access from the roads is easy. And the price of $0 is pretty easy too!

This is the best contemporary art collection in Kansas City. I have a great deal of respect for the curators at this museum. The collection is amazing, beautiful and lively. I especially love the drawing and painting on the first floor. Just a great collection! In my opinion, it out does the Kemper and the collection take risks that are exciting and leave you pleased and energized. Nice layout. Pleasant experience. Upon leaving K.C. area my only regret was missing out on the Nerman.

there was a total sense of this place being bipolar. first floor is abandoned. gift shop is closed before 4:00? info desk is abandoned. doors on the south(?) entrance don't seem to be working correctly and slam violently. galleries are underwhelming and security seems a bit overzealous and unfriendly. oppenheimer gallery on the bottom floor seems ramshackle and thrown together. the sculpture is all in boxes? wtf? and why the hell is there so much information about the oppenheimer family? isn't having things named about you enough? must you enter into the museum experience so much? bad decision by admin to focus so much on the museum contributors. second floor...wow. do-ho suh bitchslaps you right in the face. galleries contain contemporary art that is bold, huge, in-your-face, political (rich people in joco have good taste!). great pieces worthy of the trip to overbuilt park. another good kc art experience that is friggin' free! bad movies at amc aren't even free. re: kids some of this stuff is really not suitable for kids imho. it isn't any worse that what can be seen on tv, but it's definitely a judgement call for parents because a lot of it deals with social issues/violence.

I have been to many museums in the area abd can confidently rate this as the worst in the area. I guess one can't complain for the price of free....well, i believed that until my experience today. The young lady at the front desk was friendly and helpful when we walked in. That was the highlight of our time there. The attendants standing around were more interested in harassing three young girls that were talking about the art rather than assist us. The collection is advertised as being quite vast, but subpar is a better description. If you are nearby and looking to spend a few minutes getting away then this might be a good place to go. If you are looking for a place to go to enjoy quality art in a proper environment, there are a dozen museums in the area that are free and employee people that love being there and talking about art.

Great museum. Great space. In a place you wouldn't expect it to be. 'Nuff said. Well, except that it felt a little like a showcase for the RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) alumni. Seriously. I wonder where *their* contacts are?

From the buildings facade to the art hanging in the galleries, everything about The Nerman is fantastic. This is definitely an inspirational place for art lovers of all kinds. I happen to lean towards contemporary so it's completely my cup of tea but the works all seem pretty user friendly so a traditionalist could easily see the beauty of many. They have listings on thier website of classes for kids, film series, gallery talks, etc. How fun would it be to host a little reception here?

I am not one that ventures too deeply into the suburbs, but I suggest that you do so you can experience the Nerman Museum. The building is beautiful and fantastic, the collection is powerful and impressive. The parking is easy and the admission is free. The building does have a slick looking restaurant and a good looking gift store, but sadly, both were closed when I visited. That's the only reason I have 4 instead of 5 stars. I like that both of these things are provided, but I don't like that neither were open during the hours of operation of the museum itself. But please add the Nerman to your list of great museums that our city offers. It's a really good addition.

Prepared to be followed as soon as you walk into this place. It made me very uncomfortable. As a 53 year old guy, I wasn't planning on touching or doing anything else to the art but enjoy it, but that's tough to do with security constantly hovering.

On a cold weekend a few weeks ago, I finally made it to this art museum, and I loved it. The attendant at the front kiosk asked if it was our first time there and gave us a map. There are two floors of art, with a good mix of paintings, photography, mixed media, and audio-visual pieces. I particularly enjoyed the photographs on the second floor capturing, in a unique manor, families with small children at play. Seeing as we had a small child in our party, we went through the museum at a quicker pace than I would have liked. I want to return alone and savor the art. Beautiful space, flooded with natural light. Clean bathrooms. A gem where you'd least expect.

What a surprise to find this building of culture and art education socked away in the middle of Overland Park. This museum rivals the likes of the Kemper and the Spencer museum in Lawrence. Many of the exhibits change seasonally from what I understand. When I visited in the summer of 2012 I was blown away by the alternative Jewish lifestyle photography exhibit. While my academic education in art history skews heavily towards 19th century European art, I still was able to appreciate much of what these modern mixed media and photographic artists were trying to accomplish. Also, the architecture and design of the building itself is gorgeous, clean, and modern. What a gem for Johnson County!

Great free musuem! Not even a suggested donation --I almost asked if I could leave them with something (almost). Great survey of contemporary art with all the major themes and innovation the period is know for thoughtfully represented. No big name artists but the emerging or lesser known contempoary artists here are showing exciting stuff.