This guided architectural tour offers design professionals an in-depth exploration of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City—an institution renowned for its architectural complexity, curatorial innovation, and evolving civic role. The museum’s layered built environment serves as a compelling case study in how thoughtful design can preserve heritage while advancing contemporary cultural engagement.
Participants will examine the museum’s architectural evolution, from the formal symmetry and material permanence of the original 1933 neoclassical structure to the luminous, conceptually driven Bloch Building addition designed by Steven Holl Architects (2007), and the forthcoming 61,000-square-foot expansion by WEISS/MANFREDI. These distinct yet integrated interventions exemplify how institutional architecture can balance historical continuity with forward-looking design.
Beyond its iconic architecture, the Nelson-Atkins serves as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, hosting exhibitions that span established masters, emerging artists, and global touring collections. This exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience invites participants to explore the often-unseen aspects of museum practice like collection management facilities.
The tour will illuminate how museum professionals collaborate across disciplines to transform galleries into immersive, thought-provoking environments. Special attention will be given to the role of exhibition design in shaping public experience—addressing everything from lighting and environmental control to interpretive layout and accessibility. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how museums curate not only objects, but also space, narrative, and visitor connection.
Through architectural analysis and institutional insight, this experience offers a rare lens into how cultural buildings evolve to serve their communities—preserving the past, embracing innovation, and continually redefining their civic and cultural relevance.
Bus Departs Hotel - 9:30 AM
*Please be ready in the hotel lobby at least 15 minutes prior to bus departure to check in and avoid delays.
Tour Start - 10:00 AM
Tour End - 11:30 AM
Bus Arrival at Hotel - 12:00 PM