List of museums in Kansas City, Missouri facts for kids

Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant city with many amazing places to explore, especially its museums! A museum is like a special treasure chest. It's a place where people collect, care for, and show off cool objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. Visiting a museum is a fantastic way to learn new things and see incredible items from the past and present.

Discovering Kansas City's Museums

Kansas City has a wide variety of museums, each offering a unique adventure. You can learn about music, sports, history, art, and even toys! Here's a look at some of the exciting museums you can visit.

Art and Culture Museums

• Belger Arts Center: This center shows off a great collection of fine art. It also hosts different art exhibitions, so there's always something new to see.
• Greenlease Art Gallery: Located at Rockhurst University, this gallery is part of the Center for Arts and Letters. It features various art displays.
• Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art: If you love modern art, this is the place! It features artworks created from 1913 to today by many different artists.
• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: This large museum has a huge collection of art from all over the world. You can see European paintings, amazing Asian art, American paintings, and photography. It's a great place to spend a whole day.
• Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site: Step back in time at the home and studio of famous artist Thomas Hart Benton. You can see where he lived and created his incredible artworks.

History and Heritage Museums

• American Jazz Museum: Dive into the exciting history of jazz music! This museum is located in the historic 18th and Vine district, a famous spot for jazz. It shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
• Arabia Steamboat Museum: Imagine a steamboat sinking in 1856 and being found over 130 years later! This museum displays the recovered mid-19th-century steamboat Arabia and thousands of artifacts found inside. It's like a time capsule from the past.
• Battle of Westport Museum & Visitor Center: Learn about the Battle of Westport, a major Civil War battle fought right here in Kansas City. The museum is located in Swope Park.
• Black Archives of Mid-America: This museum tells the important story of African Americans in Kansas City. It has permanent exhibits that share their history and contributions.
• Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center: This center celebrates the legacy of Kansas City's early African-American pioneers. It explores the artistic, cultural, and social history of the African-American experience.
• Harris-Kearney House: Operated by the Westport Historical Society, this is a beautiful mid-19th-century Greek Revival house. It shows what life was like long ago.
• John Wornall House Museum: Explore a house from the time before the Civil War. This historic home gives you a peek into the past.
• Kansas City Fire Brigade Museum: Discover the history of firefighting in Kansas City. This museum is located in a historic fire station, making the experience even more authentic.
• Kansas City Garment District Museum: Learn about Kansas City's history as a center for clothing manufacturing. You can see old clothing, hats, photos, and tools like sewing machines from that time.
• Kansas City Irish Center: Celebrate the rich culture, history, and heritage of the Irish and Irish-American community in the Kansas City area.
• Kansas City Museum: This museum covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Kansas City, natural history, and art. It's a great place for a broad learning experience.
• National World War I Museum and Memorial: This is one of the most important museums in the world about World War I. It has amazing artifacts and interactive displays that help you understand this major historical event.
• Shoal Creek Living History Museum: Step into the 19th century at this living history museum. It has over eighteen historic buildings and log cabins from the 1800s, creating a small village setting. You can see what life was like in early Missouri.
• The Ginger House Museum: This museum was the birthplace of the famous actress and dancer Ginger Rogers. It was restored to look like it did in 1911. (Note: This museum has been closed since 2019.)
• Trailside Center: This center displays items from the Battle of Westport and the famous Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails. It's a great spot to learn about westward expansion.

Specialty and Interactive Museums

• American Royal Museum: Learn about the history of horse and livestock shows, rodeos, and agriculture. This museum is open by appointment.
• College Basketball Experience: Are you a basketball fan? This museum is for you! It includes the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and interactive exhibits about the history of men's college basketball in the United States.
• Hallmark Visitors Center: Discover the history of Hallmark Cards, a famous Kansas City company. You can see historic cards, ornaments, art, and learn about the company's story.
• Missouri Quilt Museum: Located in Hamilton, MO, this museum is a paradise for sewing and quilting enthusiasts. It features the World's Largest Spool of thread, over 1000 toy sewing machines, antique treadles, and beautiful quilt galleries.
• The Money Museum: Operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, this museum teaches you about the Federal Reserve, the nation's financial system, and coin collections. It's all about money!
• Museum of BBQ: Kansas City is famous for its barbecue! This museum explores the history and culture of barbecue with various exhibits.
• National Airline History Museum: Located at the Kansas City Downtown Airport, this museum explores the fascinating history of commercial aviation. See old airplanes and learn how flying has changed.
• National Museum of Toys and Miniatures: Get ready for some fun! This museum has an amazing collection of classic toys and incredibly detailed fine-scale miniatures.
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Learn about the history of the Negro leagues, where talented African American baseball players played before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. It's in the same building as the American Jazz Museum.
• Science City at Union Station: This is a hands-on science wonderland! With over 120 interactive science exhibits and a planetarium, you can explore and experiment to your heart's content.
• United Federation of Doll Clubs Museum: If you love dolls, this museum is a must-see. It features antique, vintage, modern, play, and artist dolls from different eras.

See also

• List of museums in Missouri
• List of museums in St. Louis
• List of points of interest in Kansas City, Missouri