Art Museum
Closed Mondays
Free audio tours available
The Nelson-Atkins is lot bigger and more impressive than you might expect in Kansas City. They even added a new wing a few years ago so there's even more to check out. As with any art museum, the kids may not be crazy about looking at art all day so make sure you're ready because it takes a whole day to make it through.
The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City is a nice museum to visit with the family, especially if you have members who enjoy art/cultural artifacts. Of course, like with most museums, young kids may become tired or bored, so it does depend on your individual interests. The building is very beautiful though, and there are places to walk around outside as well as rest. There is a cafe where you can buy some snacks/food, or you can pack your own and find a place to rest/eat. The Nelson-Atkins museum is definitely worth checking out.
I didn't really think that an art museum would be the best place to take my young kids, but they really enjoyed it. The staff was friendly, and while not afraid to say "dont touch" they did it in a very friendly manner. My kids really loved seeing the art, and sculpture garden. Their favorite though, was the mummy! There is a very large yard for picnicking and photos! There is also an indoor cafe and place to eat sack lunches. All in all a great way to spend the afternoon.
Everyone loves art, so everyone can enjoy this. They have all sorts of different exhibits that change occasionally as well. I believe they even have an old fashioned soda shop in the basement along with a souvenir shop. If I remember correctly, this was free but they do ask for a donation. A great day with the family as long as the kids are old enough to know how to be calm.
I love art and thought I'd start my daughter out early. Let's just say she wasn't the biggest fan! The atmosphere is too "library like" for little ones (my DD was 18 months when we went) and the security guards aren't the most kid friendly either (she never tried to touch anything but did walk part of the time and they seemed worried about the art when she was out of the stroller).
Eat before you arrive as the cafe is not open the whole time the museum is. We arrived for a late lunch and just had time to get something as they were closing up shop.
The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum is always a favorite of mine. They have a fantastic display on ancient Egypt. My daughter (6 yrs old) loves all things Egyptian and really wanted to see this exhibit. We had a fabulous time and she was enthralled with the mummy artifacts. The art was a little over my littler children's attention level, but the mummies were very entertaining!
The Nelson Atkin Art museum is in a beautiful building and located on beautiful grounds. Be sure to check out the sculptures outside. Check the schedule before going, there are often family and kid centered exhibits available. There is a lovely little cafe to eat at as well.
The Nelson Atkin Art museum is in a beautiful building and located on beautiful grounds. Be sure to check out the sculptures outside. Check the schedule before going, there are often family and kid centered exhibits available. There is a lovely little cafe to eat at as well.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art really goes out of it's way to cater to families. There is something for everyone. The adults can enjoy the amazing art and artifacts while if you choose the right day, the kids can participate in crafts and learning. They have a Chinese New Year celebration that I particularly enjoy - story telling, crafts, costumes. My family loves this museum.
This is a wonderful place to visit, and I try to go each year. Free Admission. You can park in the garage for $5, or find outside parking for free. They have several exhibits that travel. Contemporary Art. Wonderful. Has interactive exhibits that tell about different objects.
Each time we go to an art museum we go on an art or artist "scavanger" hunt. We start in the museum gift shop, where for a very reasonable price, I pick up 10 postcards of pieces in the museum. The we grab a map and we're off. Our son must use the map and the postcards to find the art piece. The Nelson-Atkins is free every day they are open and besides the museum and the Block Building, there is the outside sculpture garden. We love to pack a picnic and eat outside on nice days. There is a cafe, though the childrens options are limited. Among the museums collection is one of Monet's Water Lilies panels which is amazing to see. We like to bring sketch pads and sketch paintings and sculpture of artists we're studying.
There is ample parking in the parking garage, so rain or shine its a great place to visit. If you plan your visit just right in June or July after a visit at the museum you can head across the street to Southmoreland Park (literally) to see one of Shakespeare's plays during Heart of America's Shakespeare's Festivals for free.
The Museum is also just around the Country Club Plaza (chalked full of shopping, restaurants, and hotels-very upscale). It is also very close to the Toy Museum located on the campus of UMKC.