museums/galleries

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is moving closer to a major expansion, with renovations underway and plans to break ground on a new wing in 2028. Director and CEO Julian Zugazagoitia breaks down the construction timeline and discusses how the museum aims to become more transparent, accessible and community-centered ahead of its 100th anniversary.

Maybe you have a pink Care Bear with a rainbow belly, a blue Smurfette with long blonde hair, or one of those Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures in an old box somewhere. A national museum in Kansas City could include it in a future exhibit.

St. Louis Public Radio spoke to Lyah LeFlore-Ituen about her plans for the African American History Initiative, the importance of preserving Black history and what makes St. Louis' Black history so remarkable.

A new exhibit at Charlotte Street Foundation highlights the power of design in one of Kansas City’s most successful labor organizations, and how graphic arts has helped shape the struggle for economic justice among low-wage workers in Kansas City.

Artist-run spaces, galleries and Kansas City's biggest museums all have electrifying collections of local works to start the new year. But don't wait around to catch them — many of these exhibitions are slated to close soon.

A bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley to update the museum's designation has passed the U.S. Senate unanimously.

Since 1956, Leila Cohoon had amassed the world’s largest collection of hair art and jewelry — intricate works made of human hair. Her museum in Independence, Missouri, was the only one of its kind. But when Cohoon died last year, the future of this Kansas City institution — and the unusual tradition it preserved — was suddenly an open question. Suzanne Hogan speaks to KCUR’s Julie Denesha to find the answer.

Leila's Hair Museum, the most unusual attraction in Independence, Missouri, closed in September. Thanks to the founder’s granddaughter, the massive collection of wreaths made out of human hair is finding new homes at museums across the country.

The three-year renovation of the museum cost $6 million and takes visitors on a journey through Kansas history with reimagined exhibits. Visitors also now have a better opportunity to see one of the museum's "most treasured" artifacts, a 1914 biplane, up close and personal.

Visitors looking to see the Arabia Steamboat Museum’s collection of pre-Civil War artifacts have until next November. After more than 30 years at the City Market, the museum is closing when its lease ends in 2026. But the owners say they’re exploring options to relocate and even add to the historic collection.

An Independence museum for artwork made out of human hair recently closed its doors for good. Hear the story of the final days of Leila’s Hair Museum. Plus: Missouri families have to navigate tough food decisions after getting alpha-gal syndrome from ticks.

The museum in Topeka reopens on Nov. 22 with free admission, special guests and activities. It will ask visitors to focus on a singular question: What is Kansas?