The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Art museum · Rockhill

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Art museum · Rockhill

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4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Doc Nicholas (Atlas Obscura User)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by Katie Sgroi (Used with Permission)
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art by null

Highlights

Art collection spanning 5,000 years, plus sculpture garden. Free entry.  

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4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 Get directions

nelson-atkins.org
@nelsonatkinsteens

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4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 Get directions

+1 816 751 1278
nelson-atkins.org
@nelsonatkinsteens

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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Off-Centered Ale Trail: Kansas City

"There are many Christian relics in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, but one is of particular interest. A glass vial among the gold and silver religious objects holds what is, upon closer inspection, undeniably a human finger bone. That finger bone is said to be that of John the Baptist, baptiser, disciple, and first cousin of Jesus of Nazareth. This coup of an artifact was purchased by the Nelson Trust, but before then was part of the collection of artifacts known as the Guelph Treasure, which was housed at the Brunswick Cathedral in Germany. John the Baptist’s right hand, the one with which he baptized Jesus, is said to be in the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Cetinje monastery in Montenegro. What is supposedly his head can be found in the Amiens Cathedral in France and other remains attributed to him (including a knuckle bone, an arm, and a tooth) were found in Bulgaria. Visitors wanting to see more holy fingers can venture further into the Nelson-Atkins museum, to the tremendous Caravaggio portrait John the Baptist in the Wilderness, where the finger and the rest of the saint sit in the woods in gloomy, shadowy contemplation." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/kansas-city-off-centered-ale-trail-dogfish-head
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@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to Scattered Body Parts

"There are many Christian relics in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, but one is of particular interest. A glass vial among the gold and silver religious objects holds what is, upon closer inspection, undeniably a human finger bone. That finger bone is said to be that of John the Baptist, baptiser, disciple, and first cousin of Jesus of Nazareth. This coup of an artifact was purchased by the Nelson Trust, but before then was part of the collection of artifacts known as the Guelph Treasure, which was housed at the Brunswick Cathedral in Germany. John the Baptist’s right hand, the one with which he baptized Jesus, is said to be in the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Cetinje monastery in Montenegro. What is supposedly his head can be found in the Amiens Cathedral in France and other remains attributed to him (including a knuckle bone, an arm, and a tooth) were found in Bulgaria. Visitors wanting to see more holy fingers can venture further into the Nelson-Atkins museum, to the tremendous Caravaggio portrait John the Baptist in the Wilderness, where the finger and the rest of the saint sit in the woods in gloomy, shadowy contemplation." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/preserved-body-parts
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KC’s premier art institution pairs world-class collections with the beloved sculpture park and free daily admission. Frequently cited by national outlets and arts editors as a must-see when visiting the city.

https://www.nelson-atkins.org/plan-your-visit/
Things to Do in Kansas City
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Alyssa Barletter

Google
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is an absolute dream for wedding portraits—and I’m lucky to shoot here frequently with couples and their wedding parties. The stunning architecture, clean lines, and iconic art installations create a backdrop that’s both timeless and uniquely Kansas City. From the classic columns of the museum’s exterior to the modern sculpture garden and beautiful outdoor spaces, every corner offers a different vibe and incredible photo opportunities. The natural light here is consistently gorgeous, and the architecture itself adds a level of sophistication and drama that elevates every image. Whether it’s elegant black-tie vibes or a playful, candid session, The Nelson is a go-to spot that always delivers stunning, editorial-quality portraits.

Nidhi Kikkeri

Google
A beautiful art museum with varieties of art - European, French, South Asian, Japanese and lots more. Lots to walk around inside the museum. There’s well maintained lawn, where you can sit and relax outside. There are also 4 shuttlecock sculptures, which apparently are the largest in the world. They have paid parking as well as street parking. Admission is free, though you need to register online.

Willie Ortiz

Google
One of the best museums I've ever been to boasting a wide variety of art and sculptures from around the World! Start off playing nine holes of mini golf which is so much fun! Then go visit the Museum to see all the treasures it has to offer! Then take a break and have a wonderful snack/lunch at the courtyard style Cafe in the Museum. Then back to explore the rest. A great way to spend a few hours if you love Art! Definitely a must visit!

Nikola Matson

Google
From the moment you walk through its elegant doors, this museum feels like stepping into a world where art, architecture, and ambiance all harmonize in quiet brilliance. Each exhibit is masterfully curated, inviting visitors to explore thought-provoking pieces with ease and reflection. The layout is intuitive, allowing the artwork to breathe and tell its story-without distraction or clutter. The facility itself is stunning. And the café? A hidden gem. Nestled into the museum's design like a poetic footnote, it offers the perfect retreat. THE TICKETS ARE FREE BUT ONE MUST REGISTER ONLINE FIRST.

Y K

Google
Great place, been here once during a middle school trip. Thought I’d visit to look at the Japanese woodblock print exhibit. This museum was far larger than I thought it would be. I zipped through the entire exhibits and spent about 2 hours. Definitely get a membership to help support the museum. They are doing a great public service by keeping it free, and it’s not cheap to maintain a museum.

Cristi H

Google
General admission is free. They have special exhibits that change that you can pay for. Parking in the garage under the museum is $14 but there is a small lot on the north side of the building that is free. They have a coffee shop or a beautiful cafe you can grab a drink or food. Although, no drinks or food are permitted in the galleries. This museum is an amazing place to spend the day. The galleries are separated into areas with each wing being a different theme. Art lovers and history buffs will both find the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art an amazing gem. The beautifully manicured lawns with sculptures are a wonderful place to spend the afternoon picnicking or reading.

Nasser Al Dandashi

Google
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an absolute gem! The architecture alone is stunning, blending classic and modern design seamlessly. The collection is impressive, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, with an especially strong collection of Asian art and photography. I loved exploring the outdoor sculpture garden too it’s peaceful! and the giant shuttlecocks outside are iconic ( I thought there is only one but they have some around the museum ) ! Best of all, admission is free (though donations are appreciated), making world-class art accessible to everyone. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the entire experience felt welcoming and well-curated. Highly recommend for art lovers or anyone visiting the beautiful Kansas City!

H. Jo Moore

Google
Beautiful museum. I loved seeing how alive it is on a Saturday, full of people. Tours and education groups having amazing discussions. I'm so glad i finally got to visit! The grounds are well-kept and the spring blooming trees are a great overture to the work inside. I was delighted with the wide array of art from all over the world and all different time periods. The cafe is gorgeous and the soup was perfect.
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Raymart D.

Yelp
This museum is just absolutely fantastic and guess what, it's FREE! I've been to this museum before I lived in Kansas City and many times since moving and it's honestly a top-tier museum that has something for everyone. The museum does such a great job of curation and those shuttlecocks that are scattered throughout the outside the museum are pretty iconic. My partner and I love the museum so much that we became members because some of the exclusive exhibits are worth it. Most recently, the Hokusai one which features the recognizable wave but also so many pieces I weren't familiar with that were just breathtaking. Plus, a membership gets you a discount to the museum store, complimentary parking and guest entry to exhibits. I could go on and on with how much the museum offers from the beautiful Rozzelle Court to Thou Mayest Coffee to the Tivoli and Atkins theaters. It is a wonderful museum to visit all year round and you get just pop in whenever which make it such a Kansas City institution for residents and tourists alike. Happy viewing and remember: Don't deny, satisfy!
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Emily F.

Yelp
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is the perfect place to spend a day out in KC. Not only is the museum massive, but it is free of charge! There was luckily some street parking available out front, but there is also parking available in the museum garage for $14 per vehicle. During my most recent visit, I grabbed a coffee at Thou Mayest located on-site and tried to grab tickets to the Hokusai: Waves of Inspiration exhibit. The exhibit was sadly sold out for the day, but I was still able to see many Hokusai pieces in the Japanese art gallery upstairs. We wandered around the level 2 galleries which included Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian art. By the time we saw most of level 2, we were tired for the day. The Nelson-Atkins Museum is definitely worth multiple visits in order to see everything! A must-see for museum lovers and art enthusiasts.
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Alexis B.

Yelp
I've been to a lot of art museums around the country, and when I visited the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art a week or so ago (when I was in Kansas City for a work conference), I was really blown away. It's not your average art museum; it's way better. A little history: The museum opened in 1933, and its classical Beaux-Arts architecture was noted when it opened. In 2005, a modern expansion of the museum opened after years of planning. So the building is pretty incredible - the original Beaux-Arts building and the modern expansion are both jaw dropping. The museum's collection is vast and varied: African Art, Contemporary Art, East Asian Art, European Art, Modern Art, North American Indian Art, and more. Some of the pieces that I really loved were by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Oskar Kokoschka, Max Beckmann, Karl Hofer, Kees van Dongen, Pierre Bonnard, Piet Mondrian, Vincent Van Gogh, Richard Edward Miller, El Greco, Judith Shea, Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, Jacob Lawrence, Doris Lee, and so many unnamed/unknown/unspecified ancient and Native artists. The museum is large, with a gorgeous, large cafe for a meal while you're exploring. It has a great sculpture garden (don't miss their famous giant badminton shuttlecock sculptures) and a parking garage to boot. Great art, stunning architecture...what's not to love about this truly standout art museum?! I absolutely recommend it.
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Emily R.

Yelp
I really wanted to like this museum. I usually like Art museums and this place was supposed to have a great sculptures. The museum is free whether you are going inside or roaming the sculpture park outside. However, parking on the premise is $14. We just wanted to see the outside sculpture park and didn't go inside. The outside is pretty vast, so you have a lot of sculptures to choose from. We had a stroller with us and while we were able to get around, I wouldn't say it was stroller "friendly" as you had to take longer and roundabout paths to see everything. The sculptures were nice and there was information on the brochure if you wanted to dig in farther. I wouldn't say this is the best of the best, but it was definitely something nice to do that was free. I always like a good sculpture park.
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Ino R.

Yelp
This is a can't miss museum. A broad collection of art from various corners of the world. Beautiful lawn that can be traversed in bare feet. You can walk around the grounds, and there are various events on the front lawn of the musuem. When I passed by they had a mini golf course running, and folks doing early afternoon yoga on a Sunday. The same lawn has a sculpture garden with various works in various art styles and media. On a beautiful Sunday morning you can enjoy a coffee, from the outdoor cafe truck or a picnic if you wish. The inside is amazing. Plenty of various salons filled with art of different styles and different times. It's FREE everyday, you cannot find a better place to just absorb art and the feelings some of the works creates inside. If you like abstract, they got it; classical, they got it; portraits, mummy sarcophagi, European, Asian, Roman - they have artifacts from all over. The docents asked me to sign in, I put on a wristband and off I went. They even have an indoor cafe and huge courtyard where you can enjoy a snack. On the bottom floor they have an auditorium, and during various days of the weekend, you could watch classic films like Young Frankenstein and Spirited Away. World class.
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. ..

Yelp
This is a world-renown museum. In my opinion (not really into American football), this is the best thing to do in Kansas City. There is so much to see and explore here. It is an easy 2-4 hour experience. Walking the grounds and getting up close to the outdoor artwork, like the shuttlecocks is fun. The contemporary art wing is good. Their Caravaggio collection is great as well. The paid parking is easy.
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Danny N.

Yelp
Great museum in the Kansas City area! There's free parking on the streets area nearby. The walk isn't that far. The museum is really nice to walk around and you can spend a couple hours there. A must visit in the KC area!

AshLee P.

Yelp
The place is beautiful, fun, educational and free!!! It was a great place to go and explore beautiful art.
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Tamia L.

Yelp
Nelson Atkins festival day celebrations are always full of wonder activities and performances. For Dia de los Muertos Festival it was par! The performances were fantastic. The mariachi musicians, calacas, the altar were all done to commemorate the holiday.
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Boon C.

Yelp
Great museum and is free. Just need to sign up online for free tickets. The great symbol of the museum is the giant size badminton shuttlecock. You can see them one at the front and three at the back. The museum collection is similar to typical museum. However, they categorize in different way which make it very interesting and different perspective to look at it. They separate into the emotion of human. Such as anxiety, sadness, happiness and more. It is not like typical museums in the chorionic of year when they draw. The museum has two level. It will take almost half day to look at. Parking below Museum garage on site needs huge fees. Street side parking is free but requires walking.
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Jeffrey R.

Yelp
What a collection. Love the mix of old and new architecture. The modern part seems to be a missed opportunity for more contemporary modern art. One side is utilitarian while the modern art is more nostalgic. There is a small amount of space reserved for contemporary modern art. German abstract expressionism was a highlight. The Egyptian was interesting but not very diverse. I'm spoiled because Toledo has such a top notch collection. The sculpture garden is a must.
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Gatangalie S.

Yelp
Kansas City is also known for its brilliant and curious museums. So I spent most of my day treasure hunting and empowered to wonder around with inquisitive thoughts at theNelson Atkins Museum of Art. There are so many global art stories and presences here that I personally think one visit won't be enough. I very much fancy the Egyptian and Picasso exhibits in this museum. Honestly it's like you can spend hours in just one exhibit if these types of art resonates with you. They also have such a fantastic cafe where you can have a seat and enjoy the cafe atmosphere as you chit chat or maybe digest the beautiful artwork you have came across. These museums are free to enter which is fantastic. They also have a free coat check.
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Dustin E.

Yelp
We love this place! What a treasure for Kansas City! We are members of the museum and enjoy going here as often as we can. We enjoyed the Oscar nominated live action shorts in the theater. Then we walked outside a little bit to refresh ourselves. And then we took in the Monet exhibit and the city photographs. They always have interesting things on display here and wonderful collections. We are going again tomorrow for a lecture on Monet, and to see another exhibit. Then back on Sunday for Oscar nominated documentaries. There's always something going on here, which is why we love it!
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Charley B.

Yelp
If Kansas City was a living being then its heart would be a Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen-designed aluminum and fiberglass-reinforced plastic shuttlecock. The iconic sculptures started out as a simple art installation and have worked their way to local status symbols. You're not a true local unless you have had your photo taken in front of one of the sculptures. Extra credit if you're wearing shuttlecock-designed clothing or a sporting a shuttlecock tattoo. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is more than a museum. It's a shining star of civic pride. I'm not going to tell you I'm an art expert. I am going to tell you I love that the museum has a Picasso and a Georgia O'Keefe painting. I also really like the Egyptian, Asian and Native American exhibits. I can't imagine calling and making an appointment with Andy Warhol, then waiting for him in a New York hotel suite, only for him to take a few steps into the room, snap a few Polaroid photos and graciously excuse himself after a few minutes when he finally arrived. I would have loved to have seen the look on Henry Bloch's face when the silkscreen portraits Warhol created of Bloch's wife, Marion, arrived at his house a few months later. One of those paintings is hanging in the museum's modern art wing, which is named after Mr. and Mrs. Bloch. There's more than just art. Party Arty is a thing. Lunar New Year, Juneteenth, Dia de los Muertos and other cultural celebrations are, too. Tee times are available to play a miniature golf course influenced by museum art pieces on the Lawn during the warmer months of the year. The Tivoli movie theater in the renovated Atkins auditorium shows independent films, restored classics, documentaries and more. Its Tivoli Under the Stars presentations in the summer, where guests sit on the Lawn and watch a movie on the side of the Bloch Building, are popular events. The museum is open five days a week. Admission is free, however some special exhibits and ticketed events charge a fee.
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Kingston W.

Yelp
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: The museum is built on the grounds of Oak Hall, the home of Kansas City Star publisher William Rockhill Nelson. His will stated that after the death of his wife and daughter, the remainder of his estate would be used to purchase artwork for public enjoyment. (That's the "Nelson".) Schoolteacher Mary McFee Atkins bequeathed her estate to establish an art museum. (That's the "Atkins".) The trustees of the two estates decided to merge the two bequests to form a single major art institution. ~ // ~ Friends and family filtered into Kansas City for a wedding. Some of us arrived early enough that we had a "free day" and were able to visit the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum. We spent between 3-4 hours exploring the art collections. While we were able to see everything, I'm sure we weren't able to absorb all that we saw. If the weather was more cooperative, we would have liked to walk the grounds a bit. (They really market those shuttlecock sculptures.) I understand if museums aren't your thing; but when I have the time, I do enjoy visiting a city's museums--and this one is very good. The collections are comprehensive and curated well. The facility if beautiful. The grounds are well maintained.
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Michael B.

Yelp
How better can this museum get for free?! There's something for everyone from history to art. There's paintings from the renaissance, modern art, baroque, impression, cubism, sculptures from across the world, mummys, and photography. And it's free across three floors! When you enter you will have to register your number of guests to get wrist bands.
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Dale L.

Yelp
A spectacular museum with an awesome collection. Something for everyone and totally free admission. A great place to spend a few hours or a day. Look for parking on the street and save $14.
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Christal P.

Yelp
If you're visiting Kansas City and have to choose one museum, Nelson-Atkins is the place for art lovers. The grounds of the museum are gorgeous. There are so many interesting exhibits covering art from all over the globe from every period. I enjoyed the special exhibit on gender and fashion in Chinese art from 600 B.C. to the 1800s. The permanent collection includes some of my favorite artists, including Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. There are sections devoted to Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and even Native American art. The Asian and Native American art exhibits are on the second level, so don't overlook them.
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Zemin H.

Yelp
I heard about the special collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art long time ago from books, it has about 35,000 collections. Although the number is much less than well known museums such as the Metopolitan Museum of Art in New York, but there are some top-notch collections in many categories. Although it is located in the central agricultural area, the museum has a unique collection and a broad vision, thanks to the five curators who are good at grasping historical opportunities. The first, third and fifth are experts in Western art history, and the second and fourth are experts in Chinese and Eastern art history. The most important collection of the museum is European and Chinese art, followed by Japanese art. My ability to appreciate art is very limited, so I can only take a quick look and watch the excitement. The scenery outside the museum is beautiful, making it a popular place for portrait and wedding photography. Admission is free, and the collections in the museum are all authentic. It is a bit surprising that it is so generous, especially when I saw many well known art works later, I appreciate the sincerity of the museum. The European section has many great impressionist works by Van Gogh, Monet, Gauguin and others; the Chinese section has many extremely precious stone carvings from the Northern Wei Dynasty and Longmen Grottoes, the last one is the Northern Wei Dynasty's "Queen Worshiping Buddha", which comes from Longmen Grottoes, the folds of the clothes are flowing and exquisite. There are also Yuan blue and white porcelain and Ming and Qing porcelain, which are all priceless treasures; the collection in the Japanese section are also very interesting. After digesting and absorbing outside cultures, the Japanese have taken a different approach to religions and arts. Compared with the elegance of Chinese literati, Japanese art is full of folk customs, and the understanding of music, chess, calligraphy and painting is also quite different. Two and a half hours passed in a flash. I was the last one to get out when the museum closed, and I felt very fulfilled.
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Lucia P.

Yelp
We took a quick tour with a local guide, an artist. Loved the Quan Yin room. The grounds are beautiful in Fall. Will return next time we're in KC.

Christine B.

Yelp
One of my favorite places to visit, never can see it all in one visit. This time the traveling exhibit is the Japanese artist, Hokusai. (11/24) The museum is free, but traveling exhibitions have a fee. One of the more costly fees is underground parking- $12. So plan a time when you can find on street parking. Or another option is membership of $85, visit 8x in a year and parking covers the fee. I usually eat at Rozzell Court. Always interesting choices at a reasonable price.
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Kassilynn T.

Yelp
This is probably one of the BEST art museums I have ever visited. There are so many rooms definitely plan to have at minimum 2 hours to explore. We came on a Sunday when they hosted a free yawn party in KC and that made the experience so much more fun!! First of all the entire museum is free to enter and explore. That was a shocker. They also have a coffee shop inside the museum (major plus for me needed my Mom Liquid Energy). The art is broken into different eras and displayed so beautifully. You really go along a journey during each room/floor/era. The building itself is designed so remarkably. I needed more time to venture off around this building...next time I visit KC I will def come back to check this place out. Bonus: the yawn party was so much fun. There were food trucks, live music, free activities and games of badminton going on.
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Holly W.

Yelp
Art Course review (aka mini-golf): The Nelson-Atkins Museum is on a beautiful piece of land nestled in the city. The sprawling grass lawn looks like a great place to spend some time playing/picnicking with others. We opted to try the Art Course. What a cool concept- taking pieces of art as inspiration and making a mini-golf course out of it. What a great way to get kids interested in art or making art slightly physical! Genius! 9 Holes. Some holes were a little tricky like the music piece- the ball got stuck in the landscape of the hole. But interesting like having someone sit on a bicycle and pedal moving the wheel that you had to hit your ball through the spokes. My family enjoyed this hole! I thought it was a little overpriced for the amount of time the activity took and only 9 holes. Overall pretty cool concept and some areas on the course are in the shade (thank God- it was pretty hot and sunny!) Tips: 1. Says you can alcohol on site but leaving the park premises you cannot 2. Sunblock! 3. Buy tickets on-line. You have to anyways so be ready. We went a day after rain and there were big puddles on the course so plan accordingly with foot wear.
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Dan H.

Yelp
Awesome place to visit! Personally I love to visit on Friday nights, less people, easy parking. If you are a museum lover, get their membership, since it gives you free parking, as long as you think you will go more than 6-8 times a year, then it will worth the membership fee anyway. They also have the food area inside the museum where you can sit and chat with your friends. The staff are really helpful and they have a lot of fun acitvities like movies night etc.
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Bobbi Jo H.

Yelp
My husband, daughter and I visited the museum this afternoon for a couple of hours. It was our first visit. My daughter really enjoys impressionist paintings, so she was excited to see they had a section of them, including a couple of Monets. We saw the Egyptian art section, including a mummy and a sarcophagus. We also did the floor of European art, arranged chronologically. I especially enjoyed the suits of armor and the many iterations of Madonna and Child. There are more floors to discover, as well as a sculpture garden I want to explore next time we come. I think it will take many visits to enjoy everything.
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Stephen P.

Yelp
A strong art museum with a core collection that's logically organized taking you around the world & through history. Curation that helps it all make sense. All presented in a wonderful building, both the main historic part and the modern wing. And it's truly free. Not free but expect to be aggressively shaken down for a "donation." Free. Of course donations and memberships are happily accepted, and they offer some innovative programming that brings in both money & engagement, but it's really inviting to the public.
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Ben F.

Yelp
Beautiful art, amazing exhibits, however, if you want to feel watched or want your kids to hate coming to an art Museum, come here with kids, namely an 8 and 11 year old. From the moment we walked in the doors the "greeter," targeting our boys talking down to them reminding them that there was no running or touching of art. We've been to a handful of museum and have never had this nor have our boys been an issue. My youngest got chastised for touching a wall...that didn't have art on it or anywhere remotely nearby. I totally understand they need toprotect their collection, but adjust your attitude among the young ones.

Myliegh E.

Yelp
The food was okay the meat was raw and the chips were super stale. The art was beautiful.
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Michael E.

Yelp
This Art Gallery is spectacular. To fully appreciate the vast quantity of art here would take many hours over many days. It's not just the art in the gallery that is fantastic, it's the building itself that is inspiring. The architecture alone makes it worth the visit. We only had a couple hours and experienced as much as we could in that short amount of time. To be able to see multiple works by many of the worlds greatest artists was absolutely wonderful. Generally, in a smaller gallery, you're lucky if you can see a single Picasso, or a single Matisse, but here you can see multiple works by these unparalleled artists. I look forward to a return visit and hope that I can spend much more time appreciating the priceless beauty that adorns this place.
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Christina M.

Yelp
One of the best museums in the US. The building and grounds are a huge part of the experience. Be sure to find the Thinker out with the shuttlecocks. The cafe with its balcony and the greenery is beautiful.
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Angie B.

Yelp
Free admission is just one great thing about Nelson-Atkins. I've visited this museum countless times over the past few decades and it only continues to improve. It's my favorite art museum in the tri-state area. The exhibits are well-organized, clean, and beautiful. The ever-changing special exhibits give you new options to look forward to on your next visit. And the restaurant, when open, while pricey is delicious food and beverages; not to mention a charming atmosphere. I've been on field trips here as a student, brought my children as a young mom, and gone on many a date night here! I never regret coming here and never miss stopping by the gift shop on the way out.
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Brian T.

Yelp
Great museum and it is free. Lots of artwork with Monet. Nice park in front of the museum to have a picnic.
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George G.

Yelp
Dia de los Muertos Celebration November 5th 2023 We go every year. It is getting more and more packed each year. They sell out of all the food items very quickly, One food truck with an hour wait. Lines packed for each entertainment venue. We literally stayed 15 minutes because it was so packed and no food available. Eat before you go and arrive at 10 or you are out of luck. The bands etc is also located at the main entrance to the festival and it is a huge traffic yam they need to figure something else out for that
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Tiana D.

Yelp
Blown away by how great this museum is! Everything about it seems to be well thought out, but below are some of my highlights. - There is a building an ancient/classical art and a building for modern/contemporary art. Both with am excellent variety of well put together exhibits. - It's FREE! Parking is $14, but well worth it since THE MUSEUM IS FREE. - Helpful staff and volunteers everywhere. - Lots of restrooms. - Lots of places to sit. There are even groups of hanging stools available.

Fred M.

Yelp
We have been patrons of the art gallery for many years and always look forward to the exibits. We are older now and require the electric carts that let us continue to appreciate the fine art. The electric carts are no more and no one there seems to know why. It is discriminatory to deny the elderly and disabled accessibility to the Nelson.
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Shiloh W.

Yelp
It is a beautiful museum inside and out. I went there when I lived in Kansas City and went there recently to see my friends daughter. Take her prom pictures. This museum should definitely be on your list if you're ever in the Kansas City area.
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Elena M.

Yelp
One of my favorite places to take visitors to. Yesterday we took my husband's cousin and his friend for a visit. It was an impromptu trip. The museum is comparable to the ones in LA and Chicago. It's free but you do need to make a reservation for times tickets. We've taken everyone that's visited us and they all like something about it. In the wall they have mini golf in the lawn. In October they have a Dia de Los muertos display and in Christmas a nativity scene. Parking costs about $14 but it's shaded or you can try to find street parking.
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Brittany S.

Yelp
This is a fabulous art museum! During our 5 Day Rd. trip we visited two art museums and I thought this one felt a little more toddler friendly of the two. I especially enjoyed that they have a local coffee shop and stunning restaurant located in an interior courtyard at this art museum. Had I known, we would've planned to have our lunch here as well - the space is beautiful! The museum offers everything from contemporary art to classic European. I appreciated that they had kid friendly activity books to help you make your way through the museum exhibit. Only thing I would love to see you in more art museums is a room set aside for interactive hands on arts tailored to younger children. It seems like a missed opportunity. The staff we encountered were both friendly and helpful. I especially appreciated the contemporary art galleries. Oh yeah, how could I forget to mention that it's free? I'm jealous given that our Indianapolis art museum changed from free admission to around $20 per person in the last few years. Treasure this free museum and community asset, KC!
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Travis T.

Yelp
Since first visiting back in Spring 2019, some of the exhibits in the Bloch building have changed to keep the museum interesting. The museum had a wide variety of artwork to look at including contemporary, African, Native American, Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian, French, German, Old American, and Greek.
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Nena H.

Yelp
The Nelson Atkins MOA place will never not be next level epic. The Egyptian section and then basically the chronological timeline of art that follows is mindblowing in the best way possiblé. That's french for possible.
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Patrick N.

Yelp
After walking around downtown and the shopping district, I was ready to get out of the KC heat and humidity. This place is FREE and is huge. Even power walking through the place, you can spend hours here.
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Taylor D.

Yelp
Such a good museum with a little cafe in the middle. Would recommend for a cute date & a lot of good history.
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Ben H.

Yelp
You won't regret making a stop at Nelson-Atkins while you're in Kansas City. There are plenty of great exhibits and beautiful paintings throughout the museum. Step outside to enjoy the green park area and the giant birdies. It's free to enjoy!
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Soudary K.

Yelp
One of my favorite place to visit in the city. I have been inside the building many times. But today was a visit to see the sculptures on the outside and the new glass Labyrinth. It was a fun relaxing day walking around looking at art.
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Jamiee W.

Yelp
I have never been to such a lovely art museum in my life! I cannot believe it is free and has so many masters paintings! We went to see the Art Deco exhibit - which was amazing and then saw Monet Water Lillies up close and personal! I can't wait to go back and spend a day wandering all the galleries
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Lexi M.

Yelp
We always visit a museum anytime we go to a new city and we were excited to see all the great reviews about this place. Especially when the museum is in the art district in the city, we were ready to visit. This museum was huge and had so many pieces from different time periods and made you feel like you were put back in time. I was so impressed with this museum and I wish we had more time to fully experience this museum, but we had the day already planned out. It's a must visit, but make sure you allot enough time to fully visit.
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Becca L.

Yelp
The check in process during this busy day was so easy. The staff was super nice and welcoming. The galleries are large and easy to wander from civilizations and time periods. Definitely a can't miss KC staple.

Bruce H.

Yelp
We were scolded to stay at least 2 feet away from the art. We were more than 2 feet away. We spoke to a manager who suggested we report this through the web site, which we did. We got a canned email saying someone would contact us within 5 days. That was 3 weeks ago. They obviously don't want anyone to visit.
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D.S. A.

Yelp
My two friends and I visited Kansas City this past weekend. Our first stop was The Nelson-Atkinson Museum of Art. Their collection is expansive and features a lot of secondary works by primary artists. I was most impressed by the photography collection (thank you, Hallmark!). The Sculpture Park is really nice too. The Oldenburg and Van Bruggen "Shuttlecock" sculptures are iconic. We were disappointed with the "Monet and His Modern Legacy" exhibit. There were only a handful of Monet pieces in the exhibit. I temper my disappointment knowing that general admission is free and I was able to use my North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association membership to receive half off of the $22 fee for the two featured exhibitions. The Museum is a must-see if you are visiting Kansas City.