Yesterday, members from our office attended a press conference at the Kansas City Museum, where the launch of its new capital campaign, Making A Museum KC was announced. Two sizable gifts were also made public, kick-starting fundraising efforts. Speakers included the Director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation Mark McHenry, City Manager Troy Schulte, Parks Board Chair Jean-Paul Chaurand, Vice Chair of the Kansas City Museum Foundation Mary Davidson and Kansas City Mayor, Sly James. It was also officially announced that contractor JE Dunn will be joining the project team.
We are enthusiastically moving forward with the design of the Museum’s renovation and eventual expansion with the intention of delivering “yet another thing that will make people proud of Kansas City,” as Mayor James stated. The revitalized Museum will serve as a cultural anchor within the historic Northeast area, currently witnessing its own wider transformation. However, the project continues both to personify, as well as depend on fruitful and inclusive partnerships between all members of the greater Kansas City community, not just those nearby as it represents the stories and histories of the entire area. As Vice Chair of the Kansas City Museum Foundation Mary Davidson expressed, now is a critical and historic time for the Museum, as it is on the cusp of something great. We feel privileged to be part of the team moving this mission forward, and call on all members of the greater community to take part and get involved in this exciting process.
We invite you to join us at an Open House on Wednesday, March 29 (5:30-7:30 pm) at the Kansas City Museum located at 3218 Gladstone Blvd. Here, members of the public can learn about the new Visitor’s Experience Plan, view renderings, plans and more, and talk with members of the project team.
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IAA + Kansas City Museum: IAA has partnered with the Kansas City Museum since 1996. Spanning more than two decades, our collaborative process has seen the regenesis of one of our region’s most beautiful landmarks. IAA’s contribution to the Museum began with a condition assessment and has since included comprehensive exterior restorations (masonry, windows, doors, roofs and art glass) of Corinthian Hall and the Carriage House. Additionally, we have installed a new elevator and HVAC system. Most recently, IAA completed space planning for the future design and construction of the Museum and expansion. We are eager for the next chapter, and look forward to continuing to champion one of Kansas City’s greatest cultural assets.
Related articles: KCUR: Kansas City Museum Officials Announce Plans to Finance $15 Million Renovation I Kansas City Star: Kansas City Museum Fundraiser Off to a Good Start I KSHB: Kansas City Museum Launches Campaign for Restoration & Renovation Project I WDAF: Kansas City Museum Given $1-Million Gift to Continue Renovations
Despite construction, The Kansas City Museum continues to host exhibitions. “Cultures without Borders” is on view at Corinthian Hall, now through March 25. Presented by the Northeast Arts Alliance KC, for over 20 years, it has been a juried art show exhibiting work in a variety of media formats by artists from the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area and surrounding four-state region. (More information)
