Arts Experiences Along the KC Streetcar Route
Creativity runs deep in Kansas City. And there’s no better way to explore the Downtown arts scene than by the KC Streetcar, a free-to-ride way to witness amazing stage performances, thought-provoking galleries and ever-changing street art.
But that’s just the start to a creative culture filled with masterpieces.
“Community Bookshelf”
Stop Location: Library | 9th & Main
Literature has never looked this much larger than life. The 25-foot-tall book spines that decorate the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch parking garage feature 22 different works of varying styles and genres, as selected and voted on by local readers.
Titles include everything from Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings to David McCullough’s Harry S. Truman biography and a Langston Hughes poetry collection. It’s an installation that’s ideal for Instagram—and literary inspiration, so head indoors after snapping your shot and tour the historic building.
Urbana
Stop Location: Power & Light | 14th & Main
Held every Sunday during summer in the humming Power & Light District, Urbana serves as a showcase of some of the city’s most notable cocktail trends, culinary movements, live music and public art displays, all in one central Downtown location.
It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend—plus, an excellent opportunity to meet renowned Kansas City artists and enjoy their latest and greatest pieces.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Stop Location: Kauffman Center | 16th & Main
It’s impossible to miss the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Home to the Kansas City Ballet, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Symphony, this modern architectural marvel is one of the most recognizable sights in KC’s skyline.
Hop off at the eponymously named streetcar stop to enjoy a show from one of the in-house companies, well-known traveling acts or annual holiday events—or simply to take in the stunning structure in all its glory through a guided tour.
Crossroads Arts District
Stop Location: Crossroads | 19th & Main
Find the best of both worlds in the Crossroads Arts District. Between pristine galleries that present fascinating contemporary paintings and other for-sale pieces, visitors outside will find walls and facades adorned with commissioned street art. Some works are compelling, some hilarious and others moving.
And then there’s the much-heralded culinary movement. Nationally recognized chefs at local icons like Farina and The Rieger craft fine art from fresh fare, each dish its own exceptional composition. Food or fine art, it’s the dichotomy between formal and informal that continues to define one of Kansas City’s most aesthetically influenced neighborhoods.
Kaleidoscope
Stop Location: Union Station | Pershing & Main
Children can’t get enough of Kaleidoscope. The Hallmark Cards-owned and -operated play space is paradise for creatively inclined kiddos, a place where imaginations are encouraged to run rampant. Leftover Hallmark supplies supplement and inspire even the most extravagant artistic vision, as youngsters are given the freedom to draw, craft and explore their ideas.
Best of all? It’s totally free. Find it in Crown Center, just steps away from the KC Streetcar’s terminus at Union Station.
Other Points of Interest
- The Vision Fountain: Intersection of 5th & Grand
- Lewis & Clark 1804 Mural: 115 W 5th St.
- Copaken Stage | Kansas City Repertory Theatre: 1 H&R Block Way
- Art Alley: 17th Street between Locust and Cherry
- The Coterie Theatre: 2450 Grand Blvd. inside Crown Center