Things to do at the Nelson-Atkins
First-time visitor essentials
Explore everything the Nelson-Atkins offers, including current exhibitions, museum hours, accessibility information, a detailed map of the museum, and other ways to make the most of your visit.
Upcoming events
See what’s next on the Nelson-Atkins calendar.
Dining
Rozzelle Court Restaurant
Enjoy a meal amidst Rozzelle Court’s elegant Italian architecture.
Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters
Fuel up on coffee, tea, or pastries.
Sips and Snacks
Every Thursday and Friday from 5-8 pm. Join us in Bloch Lobby for an adult beverage and a delicious snack or two.
Museum Store
Pick up your own museum memento from the Museum Store. Gifts include locally crafted jewelry, custom prints of popular art from the museum’s collection, and Nelson-Atkins-branded goodies for yourself or the museum-lovers in your life.
Art Course
Tee off on nine holes of the museum’s seasonal mini-golf course. Afterward, embark on a gallery scavenger hunt to match each hole with the art that inspired it.
Cultural festivals
The Nelson-Atkins partners with local organizations to host seven annual festivals in celebration of worldwide cultures.
Art on view
Exhibitions
Collections
Temporary gallery closures
Due to maintenance, galleries in the Bloch Building will close and reopen on a rolling basis throughout 2026. Learn more about enhancements to the building and view an up-to-date list of closures.
Tours
Offered in guided and self-guided formats, tours allow guests of all ages, interests, and abilities to explore the Nelson-Atkins collection.
Types of tours:
Self-guided tours on Smartify
The free Smartify mobile app offers art information and self-guided tours in audio and American Sign Language formats.
Free Docent Spotlight stations
Docents are stationed in the galleries daily to discuss the context and meaning behind art on view. Visit the Bloch Lobby Info Desk to learn which works are being spotlighted during your visit.
Permanent Collection Spotlights
- Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays: 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturdays, Sundays: 11:30 am-noon
Monthly topics
- May: American Art (Galleries 210-219)
Exhibition Spotlights
- Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays: 1-2 pm
- Saturdays, Sundays: 11 am-noon
Monthly topics
- May: Timeless Mucha*
- May: Legendary Landscapes (Gallery 222)
*Please note: Some exhibitions require a ticket purchase.
Free art experiences
Free Weekend Fun
On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy family-friendly activities themed around current art and exhibitions.
Family Gallery Guide
The free gallery guide offers thoughtful information, questions, and activities for young people as they explore the museum.
Where to stay
Planning accommodations for your visit? Browse recommendations for top hotels in the area.