Architect plans announced for Nelson-Atkins Museum expansion
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - It’s official.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art unanimously selected New York City-based WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism as the lead architect for the museum’s expansion and transformation project.
Described as ‘immersive and creative for audiences of every age,’ the museum will now begin the months-long process of turning concepts into detailed plans.
“WEISS/MANFREDI’s concept absolutely blew us away...” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins. “Central to our competition was the need to respect the Nelson-Atkins’ original, neoclassical building, as well as our beautiful Bloch building, while also bringing something new to our campus.”
WEISS/MANFREDI’s design, which the firm refers to as a “connected tapestry”, re-establishes a front door for the museum on the north side, opens up the west side with an inviting events and learning lobby along Oak Street, and, through new gateways and paths, makes the northern and southern perimeters more welcoming to the community. The events lobby will open out to a “Commons” space and a new photography center, allowing glimpses of the original building and landscape.
The international competition announced in Spring 2024 resulted in nearly 200 entries from architects in 30 countries on six continents.
The Nelson-Atkins spokesperson says the expansion will be privately funded at an estimated cost of $160 to $170 million.
Celebration begins as water flows to Kansas City’s fountains once again
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
