Crossroads, Kansas City facts for kids
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The Crossroads Arts District is a lively neighborhood in Downtown Kansas City. It's known as the city's main area for art galleries and visual arts. You'll find many art galleries here, often in old warehouses and industrial buildings that have been updated. The Crossroads also has lots of restaurants, unique shops, and places for live music. Many architects, designers, and other artists have their studios here.
This area is home to many historic buildings. Some are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the TWA Corporate Headquarters Building and the Western Auto Building. There are also historic groups of buildings, like old hotels and industrial buildings near Union Station. The Crossroads also has one of the biggest "Film Row" districts left. This means it has many buildings that were once used by movie companies.
Big companies like Kansas City Star and The Pitch (newspapers) have offices in the Crossroads. The Belger Arts Center, a place for art, is also located here.
What is First Fridays?
Art galleries in the Crossroads usually open new shows on the first Friday of every month. This special event happens from 6 to 9 pm. It has become very popular, with thousands of people visiting the Crossroads. They come to see the new art and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood.
The Crossroads district has over 60 art galleries. This makes it one of the five largest art districts in the United States!
Crossroads Music Festival
The Crossroads Music Festival is an exciting yearly event. It first started in August 2005. This festival celebrates local music artists. It often takes place at Grinder's Sculpture Park. Besides concerts, you can also watch short films made by local independent filmmakers. There are also booths where you can find clothes by local designers, independent newspapers, and even carnival games.
Helping Art Businesses Stay
In 2007, Kansas City started a special program. It helps art-related businesses stay in the Crossroads. Property values in the area were rising quickly. This meant some art businesses might not be able to afford their rent anymore. The program helps them by reducing their property taxes. This way, the art district can keep its unique creative spirit.
