Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site |
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Location | Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri, United States |
Area | 0.32 acres (0.13 ha) |
Elevation | 955 ft (291 m) |
Established | 1977 |
Operator | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
Website | Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site |
Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio
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Built | Ca. 1903 |
Architect | George A. Matthews |
Architectural style | Late Victorian |
NRHP reference No. | 80002362 |
Added to NRHP | November 21, 1980 |
The Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site is a special place in Kansas City, Missouri. It protects the home and art studio of a famous Missouri artist named Thomas Hart Benton. This historic site opened in 1977. It is looked after by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. When you visit, you can see the house and studio just as Benton left them when he passed away in 1975. This site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, which means it's a very important historical place.
About Thomas Hart Benton
Thomas Hart Benton was a very important American painter. He was known for his unique style called Regionalism. This style focused on showing everyday life in America, especially in the Midwest. Benton's art often showed farmers, workers, and landscapes. He wanted to capture the spirit of the American people.
The Historic Home
The house where Thomas Hart Benton lived and worked was built around 1903. It is located in the Roanoke Park neighborhood of Kansas City. The house looks strong and solid, almost like a fortress. This is because it sits high above the street. Its front is made of rough, natural limestone.
The house was first built for Walter E. Kirkpatrick. He was an important person in Kansas City's electric and streetcar companies. The architect who designed the house was George Mathews. He was part of a movement that wanted to make cities more beautiful. The Benton family bought this property in 1939. It includes the house and a studio.
Visiting the Site
Today, you can visit the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. When you take a tour, you will see the house and studio. They are kept just as Thomas Hart Benton left them. This lets visitors imagine what his life was like. It also shows how he created his amazing artwork. It is a great way to learn about American art and history.