The Nelson-Atkins Museum
Completed in 1933 at a cost of $2.75 million, the museum's limestone façade and classical design evoke a sense of permanence and grandeur, designed in the iconic Beaux-Arts style.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum
4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 (Map)
Built: 1933
Architect/Style: Steven Holl, Thomas Wight, William Wight // Beaux-Arts
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is renowned for its vast collection spanning nearly every continent and culture, with a particular emphasis on Asian art.
Known as a cornerstone of Kansas City’s cultural scene, the museum's story is one of community philanthropy, architectural innovation, and a deep commitment to making art accessible to all.
Origins and Early Development
The origins of the Nelson-Atkins Museum can be traced to two significant bequests. William Rockhill Nelson, founder of The Kansas City Star, left his estate in a trust to fund an art museum in Kansas City following his death in 1915. His $11 million legacy, combined with the contributions from his daughter, son-in-law, and attorney, set a strong financial foundation.
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