The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Address:	4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
Phone:	+1 816-751-1278
Site:	nelson-atkins.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

John Stokes

We came to see the Plains Indians art exhibit. We got about 10 steps in when one of the guides approached me and told me I wasnt allowed to carry my 4 year old the way I was carrying him. I thanked him for his input and told him that I will be carrying my child the way I thought best. A few steps later another guide approached me and again, told me I wasnt carrying my child in an acceptable manner. I replied the same way with him. This second guide was quite a bit more belligerent demanding I comply or he would alert his supervisor. Then an entire crew of tan jackets and lanyards proceeded to stalk me and my family around the exhibit. One guide was even overheard by my wife mocking me. I couldnt take that anymore so I went to find the supervisor myself. When I did find Manuel Rios I introduced myself and asked what the problem was. Manuel explained to me that the museum had several unwritten rules and if they tried to post them all they would take up too much space on the wall. I explained to him that there is no situation in which it is permissible to tell a parent how they can and cannot carry thier own child. If the museum did expect patrons to follow this rule it needs to be posted before we purchase tickets so we can decide whether or not we wish to comply. Although Manuel apologized several times for the inappropriate behavior of the guides stalking us and such the whole ambiance was wrecked for the family at that point. Their behavior made my children feel uncomfortable and they wanted leave. And that is what we did.

Aritra Bhattacherjee

If you are in Kansas City, DO NOT miss a visit to Nelson. It may be smaller than many leading national art institutes and museum (and I have been to some of those). But yet, it is pretty extensive, and of all, beautiful! And you are allowed a free admission!!! Only some special exhibits you might have to pay. But the entire museum is free. They have every thing from ancient to modern, and from across the world, art as well as archaeology. The architecture of the museum building itself is very nice...walk around the outside and you will see how it changes its character. You will actually walk through the beautiful lawn and garden that surrounds the building, which is also peppered with beautiful art and architecture...take a moment to even sit down and appreciate whatever you liked overlooking. It is not loud and crowded like some of these places in big cities. One can spend several peaceful and joyous hours here. The Country Club Plaza is also right next and can cater to your before/after plans. Make sure to look up their hours, their schedule is a little out of ordinary.

Jinny Newlin

Ive visited the museum, with my children, a handful of times; but today was awful. I, not my children, was told to step away from a painting that I stepped closer to in order to be able to read the plaque. I was told that I needed to remain further away just in case I got pushed by someone from behind. She followed my children and I through several galleries. We were there to learn and enjoy our time and were NOT touching or abusing anything. We love the museum, and this woman spoiled things royally. We decided switching floors, in order to give us some distance between her and us, would make our stay more enjoyable. Fortunately, it did. On top of that, I received a parking ticket for parking, between two cars, in a bus zone, which I was completely unaware of. There was a bus parked behind another vehicle, so I walked down and was able to see the sign from the sidewalk. It could not be viewed from the road. This was my mistake. Unfortunately, I wasnt the only violator. Obviously, there is a lack of signage.

BrianJaeger Satisfamily-PassiveNinja

In our old city, we waited for the once-a-month opportunity to go see the art museum for free, especially as young parents with kids who lacked the desire to look around for more than an hour. It felt like most art museums Ive been to: an enclave for the local elite. Thats why I love the idea of a free, public art museum as much as I support the idea of free, public, liberal-arts education. If you truly believe anyone can succeed and were all equal, then access to the arts for the masses is part of that equation. Of course, with such an altruistic intent, the Nelson could easily have sub-standard art, but I have to say it stacks up nicely with many of the art museums I have visited. In my experience, free art museums tend to be dedicated to local artists who focus on local subject matter, college collections with very little buying power, or a wealthy collector/artist paying homage to oneself. This is a legitimate collection of art dedicated to all of us, and I have just convinced myself to go visit more often.

A Private User

I was so excited to take my kids here after enjoying it as child myself. I was so disappointed in how it was for them. We have a large family, my kids are 14, 12 10, 10, 8, 6 and 2. We have taken them to pretty much every museum we could since they were born. They are extremely well behaved and respectful of things. With that said our visit to the Nelson-Atkins museum left us feeling like criminals. We were followed from room to room by the security guards. When my 10 year old son leaned in to read the information card just like everyone else he was reprimanded by the security guard for it. It was awful and finally my kids even said that they were tired of being treated this way. They werent running, not touching, they were simply looking just like everyone else. We were just singled out because of our family size. I will never go to this museum again as there are so many more quality places to take our kids. If your a big family, skip this place.

Sharon Cannon

I remember riding an hour by bus for a field trip as a little girl, and being amazed by the artwork and the museum itself. 30+ years later I still feel that sense of awe when I go to the Nelson-Atkins Museum. With art from around the world and thru the ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I personal love the Egyptian and Asian installments. The museum itself is so beautiful, and when not crowded it is quite peaceful to walk thru and enjoy the many displays. There are events, like Chinese New Year, a fun madhouse of activity each year- with musicians, dancers and food throughout the museum. In good weather the huge lawn is a wonderful walk, with outdoor art to enjoy as well. Yes, you can go thru the museum for free...but drop a donation in the box if you are able.... Kansas City is so fortunate to have this magnificent museum.

Eric E

You could spend days here and still have more to see, the Nelson is a fantastic place to bring a date or have a weekend outing with the entire family. There is a café inside so once you are here you can spend the entire day if you like. With the expansion of the Bloch Building there is even more awesome architecture and art to admire. Be sure to take the time to walk the grounds surrounding both buildings as well, for they are littered with beautiful sculptures and cool interactive pieces (glass maze :-D), not to mention the flowers and flowering trees that are at their peak from spring into early summer. This is a must do on any trip to KC and can seem overwhelming, but just spend as much time as you can and remember, you can always come back for the rest.