Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art reveals the final concept

On March 13, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art revealed that they chose six rendering options in the competition for the latest expansion project. Six finalists from the competition were selected, and their rendering concepts changed the museum with dynamic, open and tempting designs. The goal of the expansion project is to host more art by creating vibrant spaces and to reach a new audience with new immersive and interactive creative experiences to the community.

These concepts are now available for personal viewing from March 15 to June 1 and are invited to provide feedback.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art cares about the highest collection of over 42,000 artworks. It is known for its extensive Asian art, European and American painting, photography, modern sculpture, and Native American, African and Egyptian galleries. It is surrounded by a 22-acre sculpture park. Nelson-Atkins also has a versatile space for memorable corporate events, events, receptions and presentations.

The museum is starting this new project in response to the growing demand of its community, growing attendance, a desire to showcase more art and collections, and a desire to serve future generations in a transformative way. Competition is a new addition (or collection) of approximately 61,000 square feet, as well as partial renovations of the original Nelson-Atkins building, as well as activation and amplification of the outdoor campus, all constitute a thoughtful sustainability strategy.

Newly added highlights may include a main entrance and welcoming foyer, a comprehensive photography center, a new featured exhibition hall, learning and engagement space for hands-on art activities, a black box theater for digital art and immersive programming, and a dining room for indoor/indoor dining restaurants.

The museum’s Architect Selection Committee (ASC) will meet in late spring to interview finalists and make recommendations to the board. Following the approval and appointment of the winning team, the selected design will work closely with the museum and its stakeholders, including the local community.

The museum’s board aims to expand the museum’s practice (providing free general admission), so it continues to evolve into where everyone thinks they belong. The project will integrate the campus, Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and two existing buildings into a cohesive new experience.

The first phase of the game was launched in October 2024, attracting 182 teams from 30 countries across six continents. “We demanded a bold, inspiring move and respect the existing museum campus, and I’m happy to say that we have received them in these initial designs,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, director and CEO of Nelson-Atkins. “Each is a fascinating response to a brief of complex projects, and they bring together countless perspectives. The team illuminates their ideological bondage on our big questions: how do we synthesize existing icons through new claims? How do we modernize and embrace the future, but keep the best in our history? And, most importantly, how do we create a museum that is transparent to all and instill a sense of belonging and happiness?”

The estimated construction budget (financed entirely by private donations) is part of a larger, more comprehensive campaign starting in 2025. The movement is expected to be one of the biggest investments in Kansas City’s art in recent years, which contributes to the dynamic and vibrancy of the city’s future. The museum does not have public taxes for operations or capital projects.

The competition process is led by an Architect Selection Committee chaired by the Museum’s Board of Directors Evelyn Craft Belger.

For more information and future updates, including winner announcements, visit the Contest. malcolmreading.com/nelson-atkins.