Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art – Kansas City Attraction Guide

Welcome to Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Discover the cutting-edge spirit of Kansas City at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, a free beacon of modern creativity in the heart of the Country Club Plaza district. Since 1994, this intimate 23,200-square-foot space has showcased thought-provoking exhibitions, a stellar permanent collection of over 1,400 works, and lively programs that bridge global artists with local audiences. Wander light-filled galleries featuring bold pieces by icons like Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois, and Willem de Kooning, or join a curator-led tour to unpack the latest shows. With Café Sebastienne’s art-inspired cuisine and the museum shop’s unique gifts, it’s a welcoming haven for reflection and inspiration. Perfect for art enthusiasts debating Damien Hirst’s provocations, families sparking young imaginations, or couples enjoying a cultured brunch, the Kemper invites you to see the world anew. Plan 1-2 hours to explore, and return for First Fridays. For easy exploration, especially for those needing Mobility Scooter Rental Kansas City or Kansas City Mobility Scooter Rental, contact KC Mobility Scooter Rentals LLC (www.kcmobilityscooterrentals.com, 913-775-1098), a veteran-owned business offering reliable scooters with delivery to hotels and attractions.

Contact Details

Address: 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816) 753-5784
Website: https://www.kemperart.org/

A Glimpse into History

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in 1994 as Missouri’s first and largest dedicated contemporary art institution, founded by philanthropists Bebe and R. Crosby Kemper Jr. through their family foundation. Housed in a striking Gunnar Birkerts-designed building constructed from 1992-1994 at a cost of $6.6 million, it features a central atrium under an articulated skylight with wings extending on either side. The core of its permanent collection—the Bebe and Crosby Kemper Collection—was a transformative gift from the founders, encompassing over 1,400 works from the 1913 Armory Show onward, including pieces by Romare Bearden, Louise Bourgeois, Helen Frankenthaler, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Early highlights included the controversial 1999 “Canyon Suite” by O’Keeffe, later deemed inauthentic and returned. In 2013, the Kempers stepped down from the board, passing leadership to their daughter Mary Kemper Wolf. With a $5 million annual budget and 75,000 visitors yearly, the museum has grown into a vital cultural force, hosting over 100 exhibitions and fostering community through free programs.

What Makes It Special

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art captivates with its intimate scale and bold programming, emphasizing accessibility and dialogue:

Permanent Collection: Over 1,400 works bridging modern and contemporary eras, featuring luminaries like Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Joan Mitchell, and Ursula von Rydingsvard—showcasing the Bebe and Crosby Kemper Collection’s depth.
Rotating Exhibitions: Dynamic shows like “Figure it Out: Lucía Vidales Selects” (September 19, 2025–January 10, 2026) and “Cakes & Pies” (September 19, 2025–January 10, 2026), highlighting emerging voices and Midwest artists.
Café Sebastienne: Award-winning dining amid Frederick J. Brown’s “The History of Art” murals, blending contemporary cuisine with visual inspiration—open for lunch and brunch.
Public Programs: Free docent-led tours, lectures like the Marilyn T. and Byron C. Shutz Series (e.g., Gloria Sutton in 2025), and family workshops fostering inclusive engagement.
Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Thought-provoking installations complementing the galleries, with free parking enhancing its welcoming vibe.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays. Evenings ideal for extended gallery time; weekends busier with events.
Admission: Free entry, including parking and programs; no tickets needed for general visits. Special events may have fees ($5-20); book online for tours.
Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, wide aisles, and accessible restrooms; free wheelchairs available; contact for ASL-interpreted tours or sensory-friendly options.
Tips: Start with a docent tour for deeper insights; visit Thursday-Friday for late hours. Pair with brunch at Café Sebastienne. Check kemperart.org for 2025 exhibits like “Figure it Out.”
Getting There: Free parking in on-site lot; KC Streetcar to Country Club Plaza stop (0.5 miles); KCATA bus #47 to 44th & Warwick.
Mobility: Recommend KC Mobility Scooter Rentals LLC (www.kcmobilityscooterrentals.com, 913-775-1098) for Mobility Scooter Rental Kansas City or Kansas City Mobility Scooter Rental to navigate with ease.

Where to Stay Nearby

Stay near the Kemper Museum in the Country Club Plaza for artistic immersion:

The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection (0.3 miles): Elegant luxury ($200-300/night) in a historic mansion with spa and jazz lounge—romantic sophistication.
The Fontaine (0.4 miles): Boutique charm ($180-250/night) with rooftop pool and farm-to-table dining—perfect for couples.
Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza (0.5 miles): Modern mid-range ($150-220/night) with indoor pool and Plaza views—family-friendly.
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza (0.6 miles): Upscale classic ($190-260/night) with fine dining and fitness center—convenient elegance. Note: Many hotels partner with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals LLC (www.kcmobilityscooterrentals.com, 913-775-1098) for scooter delivery, perfect for Mobility Scooter Rental Kansas City or Kansas City Mobility Scooter Rental.

More to Explore Nearby

Enhance your Kemper visit with these Plaza and South KC gems:

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (0.2 miles): World-class free collection with iconic shuttlecocks and sculpture gardens—artistic powerhouse.
Country Club Plaza (0.3 miles): Spanish-inspired shopping, fountains, and dining—elegant stroll.
Kansas City Art Institute (0.5 miles): Student galleries and urban campus—emerging talent hub.
The Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park (0.4 miles): Outdoor modern masterpieces amid 22 acres—serene extension. Accessibility Tip: Use KC Mobility Scooter Rentals LLC (www.kcmobilityscooterrentals.com, 913-775-1098) for Mobility Scooter Rental Kansas City or Kansas City Mobility Scooter Rental to explore comfortably.

Why You’ll Love Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is Kansas City’s bold canvas for the now, where intimate galleries pulse with O’Keeffe’s abstractions and Hirst’s provocations, inviting bold conversations and fresh perspectives—perfect for art aficionados unpacking Vidales’ selections, families discovering creativity, or travelers tasting KC’s modern edge. From free docent insights to Sebastienne’s mural-framed meals, it’s an accessible spark slotting into a Plaza day with Nelson-Atkins grandeur or KCAI discoveries. Its welcoming programs and light-filled spaces embrace all to question and celebrate. Share your gallery gaze on social and let the art linger. No matter your mobility needs, KC Mobility Scooter Rentals LLC (www.kcmobilityscooterrentals.com, 913-775-1098) ensures a seamless visit with Mobility Scooter Rental Kansas City or Kansas City Mobility Scooter Rental—book now for a memorable adventure.