Who Owns the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?

Art|Art Museum

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an iconic cultural institution located in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1933, the museum is home to an impressive collection of nearly 40,000 works of art from around the world. It is renowned for its European and American art, as well as its ancient Asian and African artifacts.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was originally established thanks to a generous donation from William Rockhill Nelson and Mary McAfee Atkins. The couple’s bequest was made with the intention of creating a free museum where all could experience the beauty of art. The museum has since grown exponentially, now occupying a sprawling campus that includes five buildings and over 10 acres of outdoor gardens and sculptures.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is owned by the City of Kansas City and administered by its Board of Trustees. The board consists mainly of local business leaders who are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and programs. The board also oversees all financial matters related to the museum, including fundraising efforts and endowments.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art also relies heavily on major donors for support. In 2017, it received a $7 million gift from Hallmark Cards Inc., which enabled it to expand its Southeast Asian galleries as well as create new educational programming.

In conclusion,

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is owned by the City of Kansas City and administered by its Board of Trustees. Major donors also play an important role in supporting this iconic cultural institution through their generous donations.