The best arts & culture spots in Kansas City

“Museum in an ornate 31-room Victorian home, built in 1881, with historic furnishings.”

“Open-air museum in a recreated 1929 farm town offering tours, exhibits & school programs.”

“Tours are offered of this 1857 hilltop farmhouse with period furnishings, artifacts & river views.”

“Well-preserved home of a former estate owner, featuring period furnishings, artwork and artifacts.”

“The Museum of Kansas City explores the city’s past, present, and future with engaging exhibits like Dunbar: Kansas City’s First Black Suburb, plus lively programs that actually make history feel current. Cap it with a throwback sip at Elixir, their in-house soda fountain.”

From the Kansas City newsletter, August 4, 2026

“From the 1950s electric model house to KidScape's hands-on play zone, Johnson County Museum turns suburban history into actual fun. Check out Everyday Democracy, a thoughtful exhibit open now through January 9, 2027, and leave with nostalgic goosebumps plus a newfound respect for cul-de-sacs.”

From the Johnson County newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Art collection spanning 5,000 years in neoclassical & modern galleries, plus a sculpture garden.”

“The nation's only public museum dedicated to WWI, with a large collection of photos, weapons & more.”

“Family-friendly museum with interactive science displays, including a test kitchen & planetarium.”

“Eclectic array of collectible toys, antique marbles & miniature reproductions of fine furnishings.”

“Big collection of everyday objects pulled from a steamboat that sunk on the Missouri River in 1856.”

“Modest museum housing a permanent collection & special exhibitions of challenging contemporary art.”

“Johnson County Community College's modern-art facility including an auditorium, cafe & classrooms.”

“Visitors can experience and learn about visual and sensory illusions at this modern art museum.”

“Historic coins & bills, a huge cash vault & more, on view in a federal bank building with tours.”

“Exhibits on segregated league's 1920 founding to Jackie Robinson's 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers debut.”

“Dinner theater show where guests solve a crime while enjoying a meal.”