Kengo Kuma & Associates

Drawing from the Midwest’s prairies, riverbeds, and limestone bluffs, River / Stone weaves art, people, and landscape into a living cultural tapestry. Fluid pathways unite the 1933 Nelson-Atkins Building, the Bloch Building, and a new expansion grounded by local materials and human-scaled gestures. Porches, covered passages, and terraces dissolve the form, encouraging spontaneous encounters and linking the museum with surrounding neighborhoods.

Locally sourced stone, sustainable timber, and expansive glass echo the land’s quiet rhythm, fostering warmth and transparency. Underscoring Kansas City’s geological heritage and communal spirit, River / Stone broadens accessibility for families, first-time visitors, and longtime patrons alike.

Gently sloping routes and terraced landscapes reflect regional history, creating places for reflection, conversation, and cultural exchange. Through this harmonious approach, the new addition transforms the museum’s campus – building on its longstanding commitment to engagement, wonder, and inclusivity – where nature, architecture, and community flow seamlessly as a true “Museum for All.”