We are the museum of Kansas City. We tell the stories of our City and its people through history and humanities exhibits, programs, and events. We encourage collaborative learning about the City’s past, present, and future. Every day, we illuminate a shared humanity, inspire creative action, and aim to deliver a transformational civic impact. Join us!
Kansas City is rich in racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. We are one City—one KC—with many voices and perspectives. As we connect cooperatively and collectively, “your” story and “my” story become “our” story. Together, we work restoratively to co-create the KC where we can all thrive.
At the Kansas City Museum, we focus on the untold or undertold stories of KC. In doing so, we aim to be the “Home of the Whole Story” where lived experiences from individuals, neighborhoods, and communities that are often underrepresented and overlooked are acknowledged, honored, and elevated to tell more accurate, complex, and complete stories of the City we all love.
Mission
The Kansas City Museum preserves, interprets, and celebrates Kansas City through collections, exhibitions, and bold programs that reflect the City’s evolution and spirit, and engage visitors in unfolding stories about Kansas City’s vibrant history, cultural heritage, and pride.
Vision
The Kansas City Museum is a hub of learning, creativity, and collaboration where individuals and communities innovate and inspire engagement and civic unity.
From Mansion to Museum
The Kansas City Museum property was the former estate of lumber baron R.A. Long and his family. The property was completed in 1910 and became a public museum in 1940.