Downtown's New Jewel
Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the 285,000-square-foot Kauffman Center includes two new standalone performance halls, both housed within a dramatic overarching shell featuring a glass roof and glass walls that provide sweeping views of Kansas City.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is recognized as one of the premier art museums in the nation. The free museum recently opened the Bloch Building.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Spider sits watch over the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. The Spider's body is over eleven-feet tall and was designed by Louise Bourgeois. The museum features free admission.
Gallery Walk! Crossroads Arts District
If you’re looking for an eclectic gathering place, head to the Crossroads! First Fridays are a local favorite with galleries and shops remaining open from 7-9 pm the first Friday of each month.
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
Johson County Community College was recently named one of the top 10 university/college campuses for public art in nation, citing the outdoor sculpture and paintings, ceramics, photography and works on paper.
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Arts & Culture
Kansas City and the visual arts truly go hand in hand. Internationally known museums, dynamic gallery districts and outstanding performances create a colorful palette that attracts locals and visitors.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Now Open
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a new center for music, opera, theater, and dance, opened in downtown Kansas City, Missouri September 16-18, 2011. What began as a sketch on a napkin has become an architectural icon and home for the performing arts in Kansas City.
> Resident Companies
> Performance Halls
> About the Architect
> Best of Broadway Series
*Photo by Tim Hursley
Outside|Lines Travel Videos
Kansas City creates a colorful palette that attracts locals and visitors. Outside|Lines Travel is an insider’s guide connecting people to places they typically would not find on their own; places only knowledgeable ‘locals’ would frequent.
Kansas City Symphony's New Season, New Home
An unprecedented collection of distinguished guest artists will join the Symphony and Music Director Michael Stern for the 2011-12 season, performing diverse programs designed to showcase the Symphony as well as their new performance home, Helzberg Hall.
10 Must-See Artworks in KC
With three great museums in the Kansas City metro to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin. Here’s our list of 10 Must-See Artworks to get you started.
Learn More
Upcoming Exhibits
Visit one of our nationally-acclaimed museums and see what touring exhibit is on display. Learn More
VisitKC + Mobile = Personal KC Travel Guide
We've taken everything you love about Kansas City and put it in the palm of your hand. VisitKC is pleased to announce the launch of its new Mobile website.
> Launch Mobile: M.VisitKC.com
> Learn More: Mobile Overview
The idea is simple, but the approach is definitely something new.
Arts & Culture Special Offers
Celebrate the season with some special offers this season. From 2-for-1 tickets to packaged discounts, savings are available at many of our top museums and cultural attrations. Learn More
Trendy Art Galleries
Visual art enthusiasts can choose from more than 100 art galleries and exhibition spaces. Learn More
Listen to the Locals: Arts Abound
Four creative Kansas Citians reveal their local sources of inspiration. Learn More
Theater Favorites for Kids
From puppet shows to live plays and musicals designed just for younger audiences, Kansas City has plenty of quality theater options the whole family can enjoy together. Check out a few of our favorites. Learn More
Now & Then | The Civil War turns 150
Situated between pro and anti-slavery forces, the Kansas City area was ground zero for the Civil War in the West. Many of those battles took place as early as the 1850's, and interest is peaking as we approach the 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial, of the Civil War. Learn More
More Stories
Quotable Kansas City
"'The arts' is plural here for a reason—there are enough venues to keep your calendar filled for months."
— Southwest Airlines Spirit
Get Introduced to a Whole New Kansas City!
Watch our short video and discover why The New York Times is calling KC
"a culturally-rich metropolis." Click here to watch on YouTube.
Use the category search below to discover arts and culture options throughout the Kansas City area.
Looking for events? Search for events here!
Top Rated Arts & Culture
Check out our list of the top arts & culture options. And, it’s all according to you – the visitor.
Top 5 Places in KC
Hilliard Gallery
Hilliard Gallery has been rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Hilliard Gallery, located in the Crossroads Arts District, has been showcasing great artwork for 35 years. The gallery c...
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial has been rated 5 out of 5 stars

A single crack of gunfire in 1914 sparked an event that forever changed our world. In all, 36 nations took up arms in the wo...
Jesse James Farm & Museum
Jesse James Farm & Museum has been rated 5 out of 5 stars

Birthplace of Jesse James. Tour consists of 20 minute film, three galleries of artifacts and guided tour of the original 182...
Union Station Kansas City
Union Station Kansas City has been rated 5 out of 5 stars

Union Station is Kansas City's premier entertainment destination for family and cultural activities.
Discover the scient...
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum has been rated 5 out of 5 stars

Celebrating Harry Truman's 125th birthday in 2009, the Truman Library & Museum recounts the life of America's 33rd president...
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