Blog @ the Nelson-Atkins

To continue the recent stories about casework, we have a new one to report on. This giant wall case ( or GWC as we call it) is a hybrid from the fertile minds in the design and fabrication departments of the Museum.

The team faced two challenges with creating this case. The first it that the façade has to mimic the gallery wall and the second is that the front of the case has to open for access by curators, conservators and preparators.

The solution was to create two cases in one. There is the exhibition case that holds and preserves the works of art and then there is the outer case that will lift open to allow access. The exhibition case itself is constructed of steel tubing and is an independent structure that forms the sealed envelope for the artwork. The inner case has its own glass door that securely seals it creating a conservation chamber environment for the artwork, and the entire structure is totally independent from the façade structure.

The façade wall is primarily a “door” structure that measures 100” tall x 105” wide, and operates by virtue of a custom set of hinges, also designed by Museum employees. The façade wall framing is constructed of aluminum tubing to minimize weight, since part of the illusion requires that the door/wall also carry its own stone base molding. New trades are going to be involved continuing the construction of the façade wall which will include the custom forming of new plaster crown molding.

When the case is completed, it will hold pieces of silver from the Museum’s decorative arts collection. Be sure to come see this marvel of human ingenuity soon in Gallery P21.

It's hard to imagine with the ice, snow and freezing temperatures that have been hanging on in Kansas City for much too long, but this area on the very northern tip of the Bloch Building will soon be filled with people enjoying a cool drink, a quick bite or just the scenery.

Directly inside the doors will be the new cafe, a casual dining alternative to Museum's Rozzelle Court Restaurant (an excellent choice for a more formal meal). The cafe will offer quick sandwiches, snacks and drinks but that doesn't mean you have to run off. Outdoor seating will be available during warmer months with a view of the Museum plaza and reflecting pool. I can't wait!

No, the Nelson-Atkins hasn't acquired a new piece of art for the modern & contemporary collection. This masterpiece was created by students during a studio art class in the Museum's Ford Learning Center. Students spent time in the gallery to draw inspiration from the Surrealist painting Women at Sunrise by Joan Miro. In the classroom, the group assessed the blank twenty-foot length of paper and then worked together to create a unified mural.

This work and others by students are on view in the Ford Learning Center (on the ground floor of the Nelson-Atkins Building). New classes for spring and summer sessions are enrolling now. Check out our calendar for class descriptions and to sign up!

This Chinese Coromandel Screen is not what I would consider a modern or contemporary work of art. It is from the Kangxi Period (1662-1722). It is temporarily on view in Gallery 206 which use to contain works from the modern & contemporary collection. That collection has been moved and reinstalled in the new Bloch Builidng. You'll be able to see it again when the building opens on June 9.

For now, the Chinese screen is the only work of art in Gallery 206. It is sort of like getting a private viewing of this magnificent 12-panel screen of carved lacquer and clay on wood. If you don't get the chance to view this screen in the current location, it will be reinstalled with other objects from the Chinese collection again soon.