The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art began with the private collection of Bebe and Crosby Kemper in 1994. The wealthy couple had built a large personal collection of more than 700 pieces and with the assistance of local businesses were able to open their museum to the public. The museum was designed by Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts, who sought to structure the building around the theme of progress in modern art. From above, the building resembles a bird in flight.Before or after your visit, be sure to wander through the grounds and take in the building and the sculptures surrounding it. Two large cast iron artworks greet you one a giant spider and the other a modern and playful take on Rodin’s The Thinker. Inside, the museum is partitioned into various wings that hold the permanent and temporary exhibits. In the permanent collection, admire works from 1913 to the present day. Artists include Arthur Dove, Damien Hirst, Robert Mapplethrope and Hung Liu. The art spans across all forms, from paintings and sculptures, to installation and photography. The museum has also housed temporary exhibitions from renowned North American and international artists.Join one of the free docent-led tours that will guide you through the current exhibitions. There’s no need to register for the tours. Find a schedule of dates and times on the museum’s website.The museum’s Café Sebastienne is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city and is open most days for lunch and for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Stop in for a light snack during the day or enjoy dinner in the museum’s surrounds.The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is located off Warwick Boulevard in Kansas City and is accessible by public transport down Main Street or by car. Parking is free. Admission is free year-round. The museum is open every day except Monday.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Visit Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Tours & day trips
See all 39 activitiesOpens in new tabLEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Kansas City
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tabKansas City Brewery Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tab2-Hour Axe throwing session for 10
Attractions
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabSEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium
Popular places to visit
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Home to some of the world’s most iconic works of art, this globally recognized museum also offers one of Kansas City’s best outdoor spaces.
JC Nichols Memorial Fountain
You can find out about the history of Kansas City with a visit to JC Nichols Memorial Fountain. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, a lovely green space in Kansas City. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.
National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Revisit your youth at this museum that houses one of the largest collections of dolls, bears and miniature sets in the Midwest.
Kansas City Art Institute
Enjoy the student vibe at Kansas City Art Institute as part of your travels around Kansas City. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.
Southmoreland Park
Explore the great outdoors at Southmoreland Park, a lovely green space in Kansas City. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this family-friendly area.
Top Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Hotel Deals
Check prices on hotels near Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Holidays and getaways similar to Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hotels Near Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Theme Hotels
- Hotels near Arrowhead Stadium
- Hotels near Worlds of Fun
- Hotels near T-Mobile Center
- Hotels near Kauffman Stadium
- Hotels near Crown Center
- Hotels near Harrah's Casino
- Hotels near Kansas City Convention Center
- Hotels near Starlight Theatre
- Hotels near LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
- Hotels near Kansas City Zoo
- Hotels near Science City at Union Station
- Hotels near Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Hotels near Ameristar Casino Kansas City
- Hotels near Overland Park Convention Center
- Hotels near University of Kansas Medical Center
- Hotels near Missouri River
- Hotels near Oceans of Fun
- Hotels near Kansas City Power and Light Building
- Hotels near Argosy Casino
- Hotels near University of Missouri-Kansas City