Go Appreciate the Arts

Kansas City is home to many remarkable art galleries, with three of her finest open to the public for free! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of the largest galleries in the United States, maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. Visitors enjoy the galleries and, on sunny days, picnic or stroll the landscaped museum grounds and sculpture garden. For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit permanent and temporary collections with special events and workshops for families.

Kansas City’s arts, antiques and dining districts roll out the red carpet all month long with special hours, sales and events on weekends. You’ll find a complete schedule of events online in our Weekend Guide. First Weekends in the West Bottoms is located in one of the city’s most historic districts and former home to the KC Stockyards. On first weekends, shop the antique and boutique shops. Food trucks and live music are part of the fun too. Third Fridays in Downtown Overland Park offer a mecca of local shops, galleries and restaurants. Third Saturday Wine Walk on Delaware is an adult favorite in the River Market. 

One of Kansas City’s original favorites is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, which recently underwent a magical transformation. From the first glimpse, visitors know they’re entering a charming world of toys, with interactive exhibits taking them on a stroll down memory lane. They encounter treasures from Grandma’s attic, a vast collection of dollhouses, miniatures and toys of yesteryear. Toys enjoyed by generations are waiting to be discovered. This is a favorite attraction for families before heading downtown to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a live show from the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and touring productions.