Nelson-Atkins celebrates 75th anniversary

By: Amy Wright

Posted: 12/1/08

Upon the opening of the Nelson-Atkins Museum December 11, 1933, nearly 8,000 people waited to tour the new museum while the freshly formed Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra made its national debut. In its first month, an estimated 100,000 people visited the museum.

After decades of worldwide acclaim, this year marks Kansas City's finest art museum's 75th anniversary, and they're going all out.

The full year of celebration begins Dec. 11 with a champagne toast and a major announcement about the future of the museum in "A Sparkling Night: A Toast to Our 75th."

The Nelson's Cupcake Kickoff, Dec. 13 and 14, will feature free cupcakes for all, classic hits from the decades of the Nelson's existence and free admission to the featured exhibit "Art in the Age of Steam, Europe, America and the Railway, 1830-1960."

The museum will be expanded even further throughout 2009, with the unveiling of the American and American Indian galleries in the spring and fall, respectively.

The Museum houses a nationally and internationally renowned encyclopedic collection representing art from ancient times to modern history. While some museums specialize in certain areas, the Nelson prides itself on its broad sweeping compilation, crossing numerous time periods, geographic areas and cultures.

Kansas City's favorite museum has an interesting history. The Nelson-Atkins is a product of the estates of two entirely different people: businessman William Rockhill Nelson and schoolteacher Mary McAfee Atkins.

A huge supporter of civic improvement, Nelson made numerous contributions to our city, including founding The Kansas City Star. Upon his death in 1915, he left funds for an art collection for Kansas City.

The reclusive Atkins married a Kansas City businessman. Hoping others might share her love of Europe's art galleries, she donated money to build a museum.

"The Nelson-Atkins is the child of good fortune," said Marc F. Wilson, director and CEO of the Nelson-Atkins. "This remarkable museum has grown and prospered because of just the right combination of people who possessed genius, vision and tenacity."

The Nelson-Atkins is a communal work, shaped throughout the years by generations of locals with a passion for the arts.

"It is a labor of love," said Toni Wood, manager in Marketing and Communications for the Nelson, confirming the museum to be primarily privately and community funded.

"We had a generation back then that made a lot of things happen," she said. "They took that seed that was planted and really made it happen in the midst of the Depression. Throughout the years, there have been many more people who have given generously of their funds and time."

For more information on the Nelson-Atkins 75th Anniversary celebrations, visit www.nelson-atkins.org.

awright@unews.com