Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri is perhaps one of my personal travel favorites.  It’s not only a great city to explore but is also a great city for educational tours.  As you come into the Kansas City area, by car, airplane, or train, you will immediately notice the artistry and modern theme of Kansas City’s buildings.  It’s also a great experience to drive into the city at night, as you will no doubt see the various light-art the downtown area has to offer.  This destination is a fabulous spot whether for recreational travel or to educate yourself further with the many attractions the city has to offer.  

The best educational attraction, in my opinion, is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art located near the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus.  This museum hosts over 34,500 different pieces of art, all from various cultures that span 5,000 years of human history.  In addition to this being a great spot for various Kansas City student tours, admission is free, which makes this an even more tempting destination to visit!   

The Museum hosts two distinct tours, both of which (and this only adds more icing to the cake) are free.  The first tour, called Making a Masterpiece, is a tour centered on the actual history of the museum itself.  While on this tour, you and your class will experience many different types of art through the museum’s various exhibits.  Another tour, Highlights of American Art, will take you through various American exhibits, highlighting famous artists such as George Caleb Bingham, Thomas Cole, and Marsden Hartley.  Both of these tours are great educational experiences and perfect for group travel.   

After these tours, you might be wondering if there is any good cuisine nearby.  Fortunately for the weary traveler, the museum itself hosts two dining establishments.  The Rozelle Court Restaurant, for instance, is modeled after an Italian open-air food court and offers self-serve, buffet-style food.  Second, a sit-down restaurant called The Café is an excellent alternative for those groups seeking a sleek, high-society experience.

By Christopher Graham