WHY Architecture

The Hug: A Museum That Embraces

Our expansion is more than an addition – it is an embrace. It wraps around three sides of the existing museum, creating new connections to the galleries, landscape, and city. This is not just about gaining space – it’s about unlocking the potential of what already exists, shaping a more welcoming, inclusive, and connected museum. A new entry pavilion ensures an intuitive, inclusive arrival while pathways link visitors to art, events, dining, and gardens. The new Sky Wing offers Kansas City’s most breathtaking cultural vantage point. The Photography Center, positioned at the intersection of The Nelson-Atkins building and Bloch addition, serves as a bridge between past and future, establishing photography as an anchor of the museum’s evolving curatorial vision. This museum can evolve, adapt, and grow with its audience. Every surface is a canvas, every space an opportunity, ensuring The Nelson-Atkins remains a place of discovery and wonder for generations.