This past week I had the opportunity to revisit Kansas City for a family wedding. I lived there for almost three years in the late nineties. It has the mix of architecture like any typical American midwestern town, but with more space and a touch of the west given its past as a cattle center. Like many cities it has a layer of modernism that can be found throughout. Here is some of what I experienced.

Anchoring a prominent hill in downtown is the 2011 Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In person it looks straight out of one of my many science fiction series I enjoy. The building was designed by international architect Moshe Safdie. You can’t help, but be drawn to it in the urban landscape here surrounded by prairie grass.

We stayed in an AirBnB in a neighborhood on a hill above downtown just west of the Crossroads district and above the Kauffman Center. The neighborhood was once a magnet for prominent citizens during the victorian age. When I lived there I had envisioned designing a modern home there overlooking downtown on one of the empty lots left from urban decay. Today, there are dozens of new modern homes mixed in with restored Victorians. Below are just a few. It is a cool neighborhood to stroll especially at sunrise over the city.

If you are looking for a cool cocktail experience try The Mercury Room just south of downtown. It has the best view of the downtown skyline with some interesting mixology going on including a $135 Manhattan. We settled for the $20 version and simply enjoyed the experience.

Looking for Art Galleries? The Crossroads is an area just South of downtown with many galleries. Blue Gallery, Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art and 1739 Gallery are just a few you can find here. Sherry Leedy’s gallery seemed to be a step above from our experience there. Certainly, as with many cities there is a great diversity of contemporary artists showcasing their work as shown below and all within walking distance of each other.

To cap off a Kansas City modern art and design experience you have to go to Nelson Atkins Museum of Art which we did this past Saturday. Of course the classical part of the museum is stunning in its formality. However, the modern addition designed by Stephen Holl adds an amazing sculptural experience to viewing art. It is like walking through an origami construct where you find no begging or end. Below I’ve captured a bit of the architectural experience of some of the vast art collection.

Kansas City has grown up to be a cool, modern town on the prairie. It hasn’t forgotten its meat and potato roots, but blends the old and new better than most towns. Along with all the great things mentioned above I would recommend making a night visit to the Green Lady Lounge for some frozen in time Jazz fun and Hotel Kansas City for their rooms and the amazing Town Company restaurant. Say hello to Chef Johnny from us. Cheers! Troy

Modern Detour | Kansas City