The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has unanimously selected WEISS/MANFREDI and SCAPE to design an expansion of the renowned Kansas City museum. The proposal was selected through an international competition with nearly 200 entries from 30 countries.
The full project team includes WEISS/MANFREDI, SCAPE, Atelier Ten, WeShouldDoItAll, Taliaferro & Browne, Jaros, Baum & Bolles, and Severud Associates.
The team’s proposal aligns with the museum’s goals for a dynamic, open, and inviting design that will create more spaces to present all forms of art, as well as new opportunities for immersive and creative experiences for audiences of every age.
Following the pandemic, the Nelson-Atkins was cited by The Art Newspaper as a top museum in post-pandemic attendance growth with a younger and more diverse audience. The museum saw the need to expand, and in the Spring of 2024, launched the design competition. Six finalists were chosen to present at the museum in late-2024 and invited to display their concepts—along with models and other images—in a free exhibition at the museum, with the public encouraged to offer comments.
In the more than 1,500 comments submitted via onsite and online comment cards, the Kansas City community expressed common preferences: to preserve green space and expand accessibility on the museum’s beloved south lawn; enhance spaces dedicated to meaningful art experiences, including galleries; and make room for larger community events and programs.
We’re thrilled to get started on our key role in preserving and adapting this iconic Daniel Kiley landscape.