As we approach the opening of the reinstalled American galleries in April, we are already looking ahead to the American Indian galleries that will open in November. Today, we took a walking tour with the curator and even though the floors are covered with cardboard and there are construction materials everywhere, the space is simply stunning.
For those of you familiar with the Nelson-Atkins, the new American Indian galleries will be on the second floor in the former Modern & Contemporary galleries. Where the Sol Le Witt and Duane Hanson's Museum Guard once stood will be cases and cases of the most amazing works of art from our American Indian collection.
The entire space is just over 6,000 square feet and will contain around 210 objects. About half of those objects have been collected since 2002 and only a few of those have ever been on view at the Nelson-Atkins.
The art won't be installed for many months but I am already anticipating learning more about the masterpieces we will have to offer to the public.