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Nelson-Atkins museum shares concept designs for expansion

Kansas City-based museum is adding 61,000 square feet

nelson atkins museum of art
Image credit: Kengo Kuma & Associates

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missourihas shared designs by six architecture firms shortlisted for amajor expansion.

The institution is currently holding an international design competition, the first stage of which attracted 182 teams from 30 countries.


Taking part in the second stage are: Kengo Kuma & Associates (Tokyo), Renzo Piano Building Workshop (Genoa), Selldorf Architects (New York), Studio Gang (Chicago), Weiss/Manfredi Architecture (New York), and WHY Architecture (Los Angeles).

nelson atkins museum of artImage credit: Selldorf Architects

"These six concept designs articulate six unique visions of a new and even more dynamic Nelson-Atkins," said Evelyn Craft Belger, chair of the museum’s board of trustees.

Julián Zugazagoitia, director and CEO of the museum, said: "We asked for bold, inspiring moves that also respected the existing museum campus and I’m so happy to say we’ve received them in these initial designs.

"Each is a fascinating response to a complex project brief, together they bring myriad perspectives."

Winner to be chosen in spring 2025

From the above competition shortlist, a winner will be selected in spring 2025 to develop a new 61,000-square-feet addition, or additions.

The team will also renovate parts of the original Nelson-Atkins building, and refresh the outdoor campus.

Highlights of the project could include a main entrance and welcome foyer, a complete photography centre, new featured exhibition galleries, learning spaces, a theatre for digital art and immersive programming, and a restaurant.

nelson atkins museum of artImage credit: Studio Gang

Concept designs by the shortlisted studios are on display in a free exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins and in an online gallery.

The public is invited to comment at the exhibition or through the portal.

The exhibition, titled Building Belonging: Designing the future of the Nelson-Atkins, is open through 1 June.

Craft Belger said: "We encourage our community to visit the exhibition and share your thoughts – which proposal best realizes your aspirations?"

nelson atkins museum of artImage credit: Weiss/Manfredi Architecture

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art cares for a collection of more than 42,000 art objects, and is surrounded by a 22-acre sculpture park.

Images courtesy of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, lead image credit: Kengo Kuma & Associates