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For The Nelson-Atkins Museum Of Art, It All Started With A Humble Brick

By Steve Kraske,

Danie Alexander, Zach Wilson

Published August 11, 2021 at 2:58 PM CDT

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Shown here, in 1940, is the north façade of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 7 years after its establishment.

The early history of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is recounted in a new exhibition called "Origins: Collecting to Create the Nelson-Atkins."

The first piece to enter the museum's collection was — believe it or not — a brick.

Early trustees of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art partnered with the Louvre in Paris to uncover ancient art on an archeological dig in Iraq. A brick from the dig was the first thing delivered back to Kansas City.

For the trustees, it turned out to be the transformative item that prompted the question, "what kind of museum do we want to be?"

An archivist and provenance specialist with the museum discuss the fascinating beginnings of the Nelson-Atkins, and what visitors can expect when they visit the exhibit.

MacKenzie Mallon, provenance specialist with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Tara Laver, senior archivist with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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