Things to Do
Kansas City is home to numerous museums, sites, and festivals. Below are highlights of some of the offerings in the city, along with some descriptions. To see a more comprehensive list of museums and special events in the metropolitan area, check in with the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.
Art MuseumsThe Nelson-Atkins Museum of ArtThe Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has more than 33,500 objects. With works dating from 3,000 B.C. to the present, the museum has substantial collections of Asian art, European paintings and modern sculpture. The museum also houses the Rozzelle Court Restaurant.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary ArtThe Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has a permanent collection and also hosts 10 to 12 exhibitions annually. The museum also provides programming and includes the restaurant Cafe Sebastienne.
Nerman Museum of Contemporary ArtThe Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is located on the campus of the Johnson County Community College. The museum presents about 16 exhibitions each year and hosts regional, national, and international artists.
History MuseumsTruman Presidential Museum & LibraryThe Truman Presidential Museum & Library focuses on former President Harry S. Truman. Truman served as president from 1945-1953. The short film below is archival footage, which was released by The National Archives, of President Truman discussing the mission and purpose of the Truman Presidential Museum & Library.
National World War I Museum at Liberty MemorialThe National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial focuses on history and information from World War I. The museum houses permanent exhibits and collections along with special exhibits. The museum strives to make the experiences from the war meaningful and relevant to future generations.
Kansas City MuseumThe Kansas City Museum has been undergoing restoration. The museum works to collect objects tied to Kansas City history. It is located in the former home of Kansas City Lumber entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert A. Long.
Johnson County Museum of HistoryThe Johnson County Museum of History provides long-term and rotating exhibits focusing on the county's history. One of its most popular exhibits is the 1950s All-Electric House, which showcases life in the 1950s.
Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural CenterThe Strawberry Hill Museum focuses on the historic neighborhood of Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kan. Housed in a Victorian era home, the museum features permanent exhibits along with a tea room.
Other MuseumsUnion StationUnion Station of Kansas City was built in 1914 and renovated in the late 1990s. As a result of the renovation, Union Station houses Science City, traveling exhibitions, the KC Rail Experience, and theaters.
18th & Vine Jazz DistrictThe 18th & Vine Jazz District is home to a variety of museums. The area features the American Jazz Museum, the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.
Toy & Miniature MuseumThe Toy & Miniature Museum has the largest collection of nostalgic toys, miniatures, and marbles in the Midwest. Located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the museum is housed in a historic mansion.
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Festivals & EventsCountry Club Plaza LightsFor 83 years, people have flocked to the Kansas City Country Club Plaza on Thanksgiving evening for the Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony. The lights remain on in the evenings throughout the holiday season until mid-January.
Kansas City Irish FestThe Kansas City Irish Fest is an annual event that happens over Labor Day weekend at Crown Center. The event features Irish music and dancing along with programs about Irish heritage and the immigration of the Irish to Kansas City.
Kansas City Renaissance FestivalThe Renaissance Festival of Kansas City takes place in Bonner Springs, Kan., on weekends from Labor Day to Columbus Day. Each weekend has a different theme and there are a variety of shows to watch and merchandise to purchase.
Other SitesKansas City ZooThe Kansas City Zoo features a variety of animals and attractions along with educational programming. One of the top exhibits is the Polar Bear Passage, which allows visitors to see polar bears spending time in water. Below is a video featuring Polar Bear Passage.
Missouri State Parks
The Missouri State Parks include a variety of places to explore nature as well as historical sites. Some of the parks in the Kansas City area include Watkins Mill State Park, Weston Bend State Park, and the Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio State Historic Site.
Kansas State Parks
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism provides chances to explore nature in the state. Parks closest to the Kansas City area are Clinton State Park in Douglas County and Perry State Park in Jefferson County.
Worlds of Fun & Oceans of FunWorlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are amusement parks in Kansas City. Worlds of Fun features a variety of rides for families and thrill seekers along with live entertainment. Oceans of Fun is a water park with several pools and slides available to park patrons. Below is a video from the front car of the roller coaster known as The Prowler, which is a wooden roller coaster.
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