Things to do at the Nelson-Atkins
Upcoming events
See what’s next on the Nelson-Atkins calendar.
Dining and shopping
Rozzelle Court Restaurant
Enjoy a meal amidst Rozzelle Court’s elegant Italian architecture.
Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters
Fuel up on coffee, tea, or pastries.
The Museum Store
Commemorate your visit with gifts inspired by the Nelson-Atkins collection.
Art Course
Tee off on nine holes of the museum’s seasonal mini-golf course. Afterward, embark on a gallery scavenger hunt to match each hole with the art that inspired it.
Cultural festivals
The Nelson-Atkins partners with local organizations to host seven annual festivals in celebration of worldwide cultures.
Art on view
Exhibitions
Collections
Tours
Offered in guided and self-guided formats, tours allow guests of all ages, interests, and abilities to explore the Nelson-Atkins collection.
Types of tours:
Self-guided tours on Smartify
The free Smartify mobile app offers art information and self-guided tours in audio and American Sign Language formats.
Free Docent Spotlight stations
Docents are stationed in the galleries daily to discuss the context and meaning behind art on view. Visit the Bloch Lobby Info Desk to learn which works are being spotlighted during your visit.
Permanent Collection Spotlights
- Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays: 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturdays, Sundays: 11:30 am-noon
Monthly topics
- January: Chinese Art
- February: African American Art
- March: European Art
- April: South & Southeast Asian Art
Exhibition Spotlights
- Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays: 1-2 pm
- Saturdays, Sundays: 11 am-noon
Monthly topics
- January: Chinese Ink Rubbings
- February: Mapping the Heavens
- March: Mapping the Heavens
- April: Survival of the Fittest*
Current exhibition spotlight: Chinese Ink Rubbings
*Please note: Some exhibitions require a ticket purchase.
Free art experiences
Free Weekend Fun
On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy family-friendly activities themed around current art and exhibitions.
Family Gallery Guide
The free gallery guide offers thoughtful information, questions, and activities for young people as they explore the museum.
Where to stay
Planning accommodations for your visit? Browse recommendations for top hotels in the area.