One of the absolute gems of Kansas City is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. No stuffy culture mausoleum is this; the Nelson-Atkins is free, cozy, and even whimsical, starting with the massive shuttlecocks on the museum lawn where the first pictures are most often snapped. Most inviting, however, is the impressive array of art it boasts.
A few days before Christmas I decided to complete my shopping in the museum store and, when I realized I had the run of the place due to proximity of the Yuletide, I took to wandering amidst the art first.
Despite many prior visits, I still feel a palpable civic pride when I tour those quiet spaces. On this trip I confined myself to the paintings, and noted acquisitions by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian, Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and more. Photography is allowed at the Nelson-Atkins, and the museum is one of the few remaining that does not separate you from the art via ropes and lasers. Be prepared for an attendant in every room, as a result, who can be over zealous in protecting the art if you are introducing your smaller children to a day of culture. Ask them questions, though, because they know the detail of what they are protecting.
The Rozzelle Court Restaurant in the museum is perhaps the best kept dining secret in Kansas City. In a stunning, Romanesque space, the Rozzelle is a perfect accompaniment to an hour or two of art. Add in a closing stop for a trinket from the museum store, and you have the makings of a perfect date night.
Visit the museum site at nelson-atkins.org.
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