If you think a museum date sounds boring, think again! Check out the options below and see whether one of them is up your alley.
Recently, the hubby and I visited the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, which honors the life of our 33rd president. We learned so much about Truman at this museum. He led our nation during one of the most tumultuous times in our history-punctuated by WWII and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, along with an assassination attempt on his life. He had many different jobs, including senator, bank clerk, farmer, county judge, haberdashery owner and captain in the National Guard, not to mention vice president and president. In high school, he worked at Clinton’s Drug Store on Independence Square, which is now Clinton’s Soda Fountain. One of the most interesting facts we learned is that Truman’s middle name is just the letter S. His parents couldn’t decide which of his grandfathers to honor-Shipp or Solomon-so they compromised and shortened it to S. Truman, his wife, Bess, and his daughter, Margaret, are all buried in the courtyard at the museum. Pro tip: You can check out four free passes to the museum at your nearby Mid-Continent Public Library at a savings of up to $12/person!
If you and your significant other find yourselves near the Plaza one day with some time to kill, stop by the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Art is not everyone’s cup of tea. I personally have never been a big fan of it, but I have often enjoyed contemporary pieces that I’ve seen out and about, so I figured it was high time we paid a visit. I have to say that we were both pleasantly surprised! Housed at the museum is a permanent collection of art-both indoors and out-along with special, temporary exhibits. When we visited, there were several art pieces made from textiles, buttons and other items not typically used to create art. The museum is also home to Café Sebastienne. We didn’t eat when we were there, but we will certainly go back to try the food. Besides, a meal or snack is a great way to extend your date day. Parking and admission at the museum are always free, so you can’t go wrong with choosing this place for a date.
One Kansas City museum that we’ve enjoyed more than once now is the Johnson County Museum on Metcalf in the old King Louie building. It is so well done! The 1950s All-Electric House is interesting, and the old Bel-Air they have on exhibit is a beauty. Equally fascinating is learning about how the Border War between Kansas and Missouri really started. Hint: It has nothing to do with sports. My favorite exhibit piece is the White Haven Motor Lodge sign, which is an iconic piece of Johnson County history. If you want to bring the kiddos, there’s a 3,500-square-foot Kidscape area that takes kids on a journey through three different time periods: 1870s, 1900s and 1950s. At $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and college students, and $4 for kids up to age 17, this is an affordable outing for everyone.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.