The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art kicks off a year-long celebration Thursday, December 11, 2008 to commemorate its 75th anniversary. When it opened to the public, nearly 8 thousand people waited in line to be the first inside the new William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and Atkins Museum of Fine Arts.By Laura Spencer
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Kansas City, MO – It's estimated more than 100 thousand people visited the museum by the end of 1933.
Marc Wilson started at the museum as a fellow in 1967. Wilson was hired as an associate curator in 1971, and then curator. He's served as director and CEO since 1982.
Wilson says the mission stays the same. "The most important thing is high quality art, available readily to the people of this region. And that's the heart of this museum. And I hope it always will be.
Now known as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the museum hosts a year-long celebration with special events, programs and exhibitions.