The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an art museum in Kansas City that spans six floors and presents works from Europe, Asia, and the Americas across multiple building wings. The collections include paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects arranged chronologically and geographically throughout the rooms.

The institution opened in December 1933 thanks to a bequest from William Rockhill Nelson's 1915 will, which dedicated his estate proceeds to acquiring artworks. Later expansions added contemporary architecture and outdoor areas to accommodate growing collections.

The sculpture park draws families and serves as a meeting point for visitors who walk among contemporary bronzes, while the indoor galleries regularly rotate exhibitions of different art styles. The galleries connect Western and Eastern traditions in a circuit that presents paintings, ceramics, and textile works in close proximity.

Specialized glazing allows natural light into the rooms while filtering out ultraviolet rays to protect the displayed works. The outdoor areas are freely accessible and can be visited during daylight without advance booking.

The sculpture park holds the largest collection of Henry Moore monumental bronzes in the United States, spread across a landscaped setting. The outdoor spaces combine art with natural elements and allow walks between the works.

Location: Kansas City

Inception: December 11, 1933

Founders: William Rockhill Nelson, Mary McAfee Atkins

Architects: Steven Holl

Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Phone: +1(816)7511278

Email: ask@nelson-atkins.org

Website: https://nelson-atkins.org

GPS coordinates: 39.04497,-94.58096

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:10