In 1993, leaders of the Nelson-Atkins took a moment to reflect on the first 60 years of the Museum’s history. One thing that was clear was the Museum’s dedication to being a vital partner to the community of Kansas City. With this dedication in mind, the Museum reached out to its neighbors and civic leaders to ask how the institution could improve. The response was a desire for more space and more programs.

After careful consideration, the decision was made to create a renewed and enlarged Museum that would better engage, educate and serve the community and the region, as well as audiences and scholars from around the world.

At the heart of the Nelson-Atkins’ transformation is the new Bloch Building, a significant work of contemporary architecture by Steven Holl Architects that is woven harmoniously into the surrounding landscape of the Kansas City Sculpture Park.

Their architectural plan mirrors the Museum’s mission to represent culture—past, present and future—at its highest levels of achievement.

Remaining open and free during the construction process, the Museum’s transformation project has thus far included milestones such as a new parking garage and entrance plaza, the completion and opening of the Ford Learning Center and numerous renovations and restorations of the original Nelson-Atkins Building, including the new Adelaide Cobb Ward Sculpture Hall.

On June 9, 2007, the Nelson-Atkins unveiled a boldly transformed campus, marking a new era of distinction as one of the nation’s premier art museums. More than just a building, the new Nelson-Atkins is a world-class destination. It is a source of inspiration, creativity and enjoyment. Simply put it is a place for community.