Established in 1994, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri, holds the distinction of being Missouri's first and largest contemporary museum. Welcoming approximately 75,000 visitors annually, this striking venue is housed in a 23,200-square-foot concrete, steel, and glass building designed by architect Gunnar Birkerts. Inside, you will find a large central atrium topped with an articulated skylight, flanked by two extending wings. As you explore, you can admire art displayed throughout the atrium, corridors, side galleries, and main gallery.
The museum's permanent collection originated from a generous gift by founders Bebe and R. Crosby Kemper Jr. It now encompasses over 1,400 works created after the 1913 Armory Show up through present-day artists. You can encounter creations by iconic figures such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Georgia O'Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois, and Jasper Johns.
Beyond its rotating permanent collection, the museum presents 10 to 12 special exhibitions each year. For a complete visit, drop by the on-site restaurant, Oil on Linen, where chef Ted Habiger crafts menus that directly respond to the museum's current exhibitions alongside impressive curated artwork installations.
What to see at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Distinctive 23,200-square-foot building designed by Gunnar Birkerts with a glass and steel atrium
- Permanent collection boasting more than 1,400 post-1913 Armory Show to contemporary works
- Artworks by masters like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Helen Frankenthaler
- Dynamic schedule of 10 to 12 special exhibitions presented every year
- In-house restaurant Oil on Linen featuring Frederick J. Brown's 110-painting installation
Visiting tips
Be sure to dine at Oil on Linen during your visit to taste dishes specifically developed by chef Ted Habiger to respond to the current exhibitions on view.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is easy to reach on Kansas City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Loose Memorial Park. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kansas City travel guide.
See the full Kansas City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.