Groups of History and Art aficionados exploring the crème de la crème of Kansas City won’t want to miss a tour of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – a world-class institution “where the power of art engages the spirit of community.” This fine museum and world-renowned example of neoclassical architecture is dedicated to enhancing the enjoyment and understanding of the visual arts and cultures they represent and strives, through careful presentation of its comprehensive collections of more than 33,500 works, to bring visitors a rich and ever-evolving experience as they view its myriad exhibits and wander the verdant 22 acre sculpture park showcasing 33 important modern pieces. While the Nelson-Atkins is widely celebrated for its extensive collection of Asian art, especially that of Imperial China, their European painting collection is highly prized and contains celebrated works by masters Monet, Rubens, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Titian and Degas. A suite of American Indian Art galleries honoring the artistic achievement of Native Peoples from across America houses an amazing and diverse body of works from pre-contact to the present and includes includes pottery, basketry, quill and beadwork, textiles, painting and sculpture and an exciting – and growing – contemporary collection, while the ancient art assemblage at Nelson-Atkins is of the highest quality, brilliantly representing a 4000-year cross section of the great civilization of the Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Guests will find every visit to the museum offers new and exciting discoveries; a stimulating range of current and upcoming exhibitions such as Across the Indian Country: Photographs by Alexander Gardner, 1867-68, The Plains Indians: Artists of Earth and Sky, Rodin: Sculptures from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, Living with the Spirits: Decorating Homes in Traditional China, Edgar Degas Pastels and Presence & Absence: New Works by Tom Price bring the Museum’s many exceptional collections of art together with magnificent works from world-renowned art institutions and outstanding private collections in a breathtaking, thought-provoking visual feast.
