Blog @ the Nelson-Atkins

The new Museum Store is set to make its grand debut on June 9. The Store continues to carry a stellar book collection with many items that are difficult to find anywhere else.

With the increased space and rock-star location in the Bloch Building, many new lines and items have been added. There are collection-inspired items that are both decorative (perhaps a minature of the Greek Lion or the Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva) and functional (tea pots, vases, bowls, baskets and jars) as well as beautiful jewelry, home decor and great things for kids.

For those of you lucky enough to attend an opening event or a member preview day, the Store will be open for business! Be sure to bring your membership card to get your discount.

It is exaclty one month to opening day of the Bloch Building (June 9)! Workers, staff members and volunteers are finishing up everything from installation of art to knowing the locations of bathrooms and elevators.

The events for opening weekend will include a brief dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 9. Following that will be two days of fun including music, art activities, dancers, strolling entertainers and a lecture by Chris McVoy of Steven Holl Architects. Of course, it will all be topped off by hot dogs, ice cream and other all-American refreshments.

In addition to all the events, the Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days. Admission to the featured exhibtions and parking in the garage will be absolutely FREE. There will also be free shuttles from nearby parking.

Make your plans now to be part of this historic time at the Nelson-Atkins.

The galleries for the African collection are nearing completion which is good since the building opens in less than a month!

The works of art selected represent the arts of sub-Saharan Africa and include masks, figures, vessels, textiles, ritual objects and contemporary objects. The casework looks amazing. There were several places where I couldn't tell if there was glass between myself and the objects.

The African collection was chosen to live in the Bloch Building because of its direct inspiration and influence art of the 20th century. The galleries on either side contain the contemporary and photography collections.

Images of the Bloch Building are appearing all over the place; in publications, online and in blogs. This picture was taken by someone very close to the project. Silhouetted agains the glowing lens is Tony Cragg's Ferryman, one of the sculptures that are installed on top of the building.

If you want to see inside the Building (before it opens on June 9), check out our preview e-videos. Of course, nothing compares to the real thing. Be sure to come see it for yourself.

It is always nice to visit the Nelson-Atkins but what could be better than to have a guided tour of the Kansas City Sculpture Park?

The Museum's Group Services department is happy to help groups and individuals arrange a visit. You can customize a tour to your group's interests including lunch and shopping or just choose from one of our many tour pre-existing options. For out of towners, we have travel and hotel information as well.

The opening of the Bloch Building is around the corner. The schedule for the opening weekend of June 9 and 10 is full of fun activities for all ages.

Admission to the featured exhibitions will be FREE along with parking in our underground garage. Free shuttles will run from nearby parking as well. The Museum will have extended hours both days from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There will also be special performances by the Lyric Opera, the Kansas City Ballet and Alivin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the Missouri Repetory Theatre and various local jazz musicians throughout both days.

You'll also find plenty to do for the kids including sidewalk chalk drawing, a "Block" construction zone and activities in our Ford Learning Center.

You will have a chance to taste the new Museum Cafe and there will be lemonade, hot dogs and ice cream for sale in the Kasnsas City Sculpture Park.

As the weather gets increasingly nicer and nicer, more and more people are enjoying the Kansas City Sculpture Park on the grounds of the Museum. From picnics to frisbee to walking the dog (or kids) the South Lawn is a popular place for enjoying the warm weather in KC.

Bring your own picnic goodies or stop by Rozzelle Court Restaurant for a box lunch.

The current Museum Store will close for business today at 4 p.m. in its long-time location in the Nelson-Atkins Building.

The new Museum Store will be open for the member preview days June 6, 7 & 8 and will officially open to public on Saturday, June 9. The new Store will contain an expanded variety of products including home decor, fabulous jewelry, toys and games for kids and will continue to carry the top-notch collection of art and architecture books and items related to the Museum's incredible art collection.