Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

Address:	1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Phone:	+1 816-994-7222
Site:	kauffmancenter.org
Rating:	4.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Rob Lindsey

Great venue and have been to see the KC Jazz Orchestra and season ticket holders for years for the opera. We were even engaged during an opera with help of the great staff at the Lyric Opera. However, we left voicemails and emails for Lisa Voss and Jamie Corral in special events to arrange a time to take wedding pictures and our attempts were ignored. We did this over the course of a couple months. Finally, we contacted the general number and were told the hours during the week that the building was open to the public. So, the day before our wedding we got dressed up and headed over to take a few pictures. Only hired our photographer for 1 hour this time. Upon entering the building there was sign that said "Open to the public". However, after taking only a few pictures, we were told we had to reserve the venue for pictures and that we needed to pay $500 now in order to continue. The staff was not nice and it felt more like extortion as we made many attempts to make prior arrangements. There were only about 3 other visitors in the place and they also had a camera. However, they were not dressed formally like we were. We felt taken advantage of as we saw nothing regarding this fee online and were never contacted by the centers staff after our several attempts. Not to mention we dropped about $100 two days before at the Hansel & Gretel opera on merchandise and concessions. We declined to pay and were immediately confronted by a security guard and told to leave even though we were not taking pictures. It was not a nice experience and because of it, they have lost season ticket holders and friendly neighbors (as we live a few blocks away downtown).

Roma Bordello

Dont get me wrong, I LOVE this place. I have had season tickets to the ballet for the past 3 years and my family and I have frequented the KC Symphony since the early 2000s when they performed at the Lyric, so I am aware of the supreme upgrade. To begin, the tall design leaves you with pretty much good seats throughout the halls. Even when youre up high, you can hear perfectly and see pretty well, unless youre too far on one side, which gives you a deeper view into the other side. The quality of the KC Symphony, whose members often play for the opera and ballet, is superb. We have some highly talented musicians here in the KC area, as well as ballet dancers (and Im sure we boast incredible vocalists in the opera as well, I simply havent heard any of them because Im not as familiar with the art as much as the other aforementioned), and the Kauffman Performing Arts Center is a great place to view them all. HOWEVER, there is one staircase up and down aside from a single elevator for the disabled, so god forbid a fire ever broke out because everyone would die under a thunderous stampede of high heels and polished boots.

A Private User

Regardless of what others have said, I believe this is one of the few venues in America that offers a truly unique experience that transcends humanity! I have been here at least 3 times since their opening in 2011, and the help is EXCELLENT! I couldnt ask for better assistants. Yes, I must agree that there arent any eating establishments on-site, but there are several wonderful options within a 5-minute stroll. Do your homework before you experience the night! The several options will not disappoint! The center itself is absolutely BREATHTAKING! I literally couldnt breathe the first time I entered the establishment. And the sound of the KC Symphony (which was my first introduction to the Kauffman Center) was nothing short of heart-stopping. You will NOT be disappointed with this venue. And, in case you were wondering...no, I am not someone who gets free or discounted tickets. I am not someone who gets paid. I am an honest, hard working guy who saves money for these types of events...and I truly believe that my money is well spent. Not bad, KC...not bad at all!!!

Jessica Adams

Attending a performance at Kauffman Center provided a glimpse at breathtaking architecture, being surrounded by fantastic acoustics, and an all-around lovely experience! When youre waiting in the Grand Hall and the light hits the skylights on the roof of the building, its downright dazzling. I attended a dance performance in the Muriel Kauffman Hall and I was blown away by the refined elegance of the auditorium itself and pleased with the comfortable seating, not to mention the ease of finding your assigned seat upon entry! The attendants at the bar during intermission were polite, prompt and attentive, the volunteers in the gift shop were sweet and helpful, and the volunteers helping guests find their seats were eager to help. Im excited to attend more events here in the very near future. I wish the auditoriums were a bit more disability-friendly to make things easier for my mother, but she still enjoyed herself while we were there!

Super Woman

This is a favorite spot of ours. Weve gone to many performances in both the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall for numerous shows to include the yearly production of the Nutcracker, Handels Messiah, Cinderella, Alice and Wonderland and so forth. The greeters are super friendly and personable. They will provide clear directions and assist you with seating. Miraculously, the restroom facilities are always clean even with large scores of users. The theatre/halls are clean, comfy seating, great acoustics, and the shows are magnificent. Tickets are decent priced, parking is good, elevators are always in operation. Its a great place!

A Private User

Beautiful building, great acoustics. Problems! Terrible signage, confusing elevators. Having a few people in the lobby to direct you is not sufficient. Weve been twice and couldnt find our car in your lot. Poor design. Please have printed signs everywhere. And you need some food on site. Older people want to get there in plenty of time without the stress of searching out places "downtown." The Denver Center for Performing Arts was a joy to us when we lived in Colorado. Come on, lets try some better customer service! Jan--November 9, 2011

A Random Traveler

A world class facility for a world class orchestra and theater group, Kauffman Center has it all. The Kauffman is a fantastic space for recording and listening; complete with seats in every area of the hall and a Casavant Pipe Organ - a phenomenal instrument which hopefully will encourage other cities to include such instruments in their performance centers...looking at you St. Louis. With great artists and a great space, Kauffman also has inventive and fun programming throughout the year. Highly recommended for lovers of music and theater.

Eli DeGeer

The Kauffman Center Dining Experience - Its 2017... where are the Vegan meals and Vegan options? Youre missing out on a huge customer base. Some diners are afraid to ask for plant-based menu items. Give the option upfront, instead of assuming everyone thinks of animals as ingredients. The most lauded gourmet chefs have transitioned their restaurants to entirely Vegan. Hire and showcase them. Show your city you care about its citizens health, their childrens health, the health of our planet; and, that you have a heart.

Caleb Schmidt

What more could you ask for in a symphony. The venue is charming and elegant. The Kansas City Symphony is magnificent. If you like classical music or are thinking to branch out and hear some live for the first time, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect venue. They sell wine, cocktails, beer, and snacks for people to enjoy before the performance. The staff are almost completely older men and women, which is interesting. I dont know if they did that on purpose, but it creates an atmosphere of respect.