NelsonAtkins

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a major art museum located in Kansas City, Missouri. It was formed through the 1933 merger of the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and the Mary Atkins Museum of Art. The museum's extensive collection spans ancient to contemporary art, with notable strengths in Asian art, European paintings, American art, and Native American art. Its distinctive building, known for its two wings connected by a central bridge, is a landmark in the city.

The museum's origins lie in the estates of William Rockhill Nelson, founder of The Kansas City Star, and his daughter, Mary Atkins. Nelson's will stipulated that his collection and fortune be used to establish a museum for the public good, and Atkins's will provided funds for its construction and the acquisition of art. The museum opened its doors in 1933.

The Nelson-Atkins is renowned for its comprehensive collection of Chinese art, considered one of the finest in the Western Hemisphere. It also boasts a significant collection of Roman sculpture, Egyptian antiquities, and European paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The museum's American art collection includes works from colonial times to the present day. The museum's Sculpture Park, featuring large-scale contemporary sculptures, is a popular outdoor attraction. Admission to the museum is free.