The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-renowned art museum located in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1933 and known for its impressive collection of more than 40,000 works of art. These pieces are from around the world and across time periods. The museum is home to a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, textiles, and decorative arts. Highlights of the museum’s collection include works by artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and Warhol, among others. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions. Also special programs throughout the year can be found.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is also known for its beautiful architecture. This includes the Bloch Building, designed by Steven Holl Architects, and the original neoclassical building, designed by Wight and Wight. The museum’s outdoor sculpture collection is also a popular attraction. Featuring works by artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Claes Oldenburg, among others.

20 notable pieces from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art:

  • “The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin – This bronze sculpture is one of the most famous works of art in the world. It depicts a man deep in thought and is a symbol of intellectualism and philosophy.
  • “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet – This series of paintings by Monet features his famous impressionistic style of capturing the changing light and colors of a water garden.
  • “Portrait of Madame Augustine Roulin” by Vincent van Gogh – This oil painting features a woman with bright blue eyes and a yellow dress, and is a stunning example of Van Gogh’s use of color.
  • “The Basket of Apples” by Paul Cézanne – This still life painting is one of Cézanne’s most famous works and showcases his revolutionary approach to color and form.
  • “The Abduction of Europa” by Rembrandt – This painting depicts the Greek mythological story of Europa being abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull.
  • “The Marriage of the Virgin” by Pietro Perugino – This painting depicts the biblical story of the marriage of Mary and Joseph.
  • “The Adoration of the Magi” by Albrecht Dürer – This painting depicts the biblical story of the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus.
  • “The Bullfighter” by Pablo Picasso – This painting showcases Picasso’s cubist style and features bold colors and shapes.
  • “Pompeii Room” – This room features the recreated frescoes from a villa in ancient Pompeii. The experience gives visitors a glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire.
  • “The Chinese Temple Room” – This room features a stunning display of Chinese art and architecture. Pieces include a 17th century Ming dynasty temple.
  • “The Four Seasons” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo – Series of paintings features fantastical portraits of people made entirely out of fruits, vegetables, and other objects.
  • “The Art of the Americas” – This collection features art and artifacts from North, Central, and South America, including pre-Columbian artifacts and Native American art.
  • “The African Art Collection” – This collection features art and artifacts from various regions in Africa, including masks, sculptures, and textiles.
  • “The American Indian Art Collection” – Collection features art and artifacts from various Native American cultures, including pottery, beadwork, and textiles.
  • “The Japanese Art Collection” – This collection features a variety of Japanese art, including ceramics, prints, and screens.
  • “The European Painting Collection” – This collection features a variety of European paintings from the Renaissance to the Impressionist era.
  • “The European Sculpture Collection” – This collection features a variety of European sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
  • “The Photography Collection” – Collection features a variety of photographs from the 19th century to the present day, including works by Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange.
  • “The Contemporary Art Collection” – This collection features a variety of contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. You can find works by Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons as well as many others.
  • “The Outdoor Sculpture Collection” – This collection features a variety of sculptures located throughout the museum’s outdoor grounds. These include works by Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg, and Auguste Rodin, among others.

For more information please visit the The Nelson-Atkins website. For other day trip must see lists in the Kansas City area, check out Harry Truman.

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