Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Tours and Activities

In 1994 Bebe and R. Cosby Kemper Jr. donated their entire personal art collection in order to open it to the public. Being a considerably wealthy couple, they had amassed over 700 pieces. Along with the support of local businesses, and the talent of Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkets, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art opened and today has over 100,000 visitors a year.

The building itself is an architectural marvel resembling a bird in flight, so do take the time to wander the grounds. Here you will see two large, contrasting cast-iron sculptures: one an inviting, fun interpretation of "The Thinker" by Rodin, and the other, a giant, frightening spider. Close your eyes arachnophobes!

Paintings, sculptures, installations and photography are all present here in Missouri's largest contemporary museum, with both temporary and permanent exhibitions on display. Artists such as Damien Hirst, Georgia O'Keefe, Arthur Dove and Hung Lie all feature with some pieces dating back as far as 1913.

Try and catch one of the free, guided tours as they are highly informative and very interesting. You don't need to register but it is advised to check the timing on the museum’s official website.

A stop-off in Café Sebastienne, the museum’s eatery comes very highly recommended as it is hailed as one of the best restaurants in Kansas. It serves both lunch and dinner in either the intimate café or the enclosed courtyard. Not to be missed!

Getting to The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is straightforward. Situated off Warwick Boulevard you can access it by public transport or if you have a car, it is free to park. There is no entry fee and its is open Tuesday to Sunday.