Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Kansas City: Free Modern Art for Everyone

Step inside a welcoming spot where admission never costs a cent. This contemporary art destination, opened in 1994 at 4420 Warwick Blvd in the Country Club Plaza, invites folks to explore rotating exhibitions and light-filled galleries.

Plan your visit quickly — the venue runs regular hours most days of the week, keeps a steady $5 million operating budget, and draws about 75,000 visitors each year.

The staff aims to make contemporary work approachable for all ages and backgrounds. Use the phone at 816-753-5784 or visit kemperart.org to check current shows, event RSVPs, and any schedule updates before you go.

Key Takeaways

Always free: No admission fee makes art easy to access.
Clear logistics: Address, hours, phone, and website help you plan fast.
First and largest: A long-standing spot for modern creativity in the region.
Evening visits: Extended Thursday hours offer after-work options.
Central location: Found in the Country Club Plaza area with dining and shopping nearby.

About kemper museum kansas city: Free contemporary art, welcoming programs, and a landmark collection

A single donation seeded a collection that now frames pivotal stories in modern art. The core permanent holdings began with the Bebe and R. Crosby Kemper Jr. Collection and have grown into more than 1,400 works. These pieces span from the years after the 1913 Armory Show to the present day.

The collection brings together familiar names and discoveries. Expect paintings, photographs, and sculpture by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois, David Hockney, Nan Goldin, Jasper Johns, and others.

Leadership continuity matters here. Mary Kemper Wolf now guides the board, helping keep access free and programs welcoming. Education and public engagement sit at the heart of the mission.

What you’ll find:

A diverse collection anchored in key 20th- and 21st-century movements.
Programs that pair scholarship with community-friendly interpretation.
Galleries where marquee artists share space with emerging voices.

kemper museum contemporary art

Explore exhibitions, the permanent collection, and striking architecture

Each visit reveals a fresh lineup of shows, thoughtful displays, and light-filled spaces designed to highlight the work. The building and programs work together to make contemporary art easy to enjoy for people of all ages.

Rotating exhibitions and schedule

Plan around 10–12 special exhibitions a year. The calendar mixes self-organized projects with traveling shows so galleries often feel new. This steady turnover means there is usually something unexpected to discuss.

Permanent collection highlights

Dive into the permanent collection to see landmark works by Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois, David Hockney, Nan Goldin, Willem de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns. These artists help trace major shifts in modern contemporary practice.

Architecture and programs

The Gunnar Birkerts building spans about 23,200 square feet of concrete, steel, and glass. A central atrium under an articulated skylight and two flowing wings create calm sightlines that enhance display.

Free public programs, family days, school partnerships, virtual tours, internships, and adult classes support learning on site and online. Use the layout to navigate quickly whether you have thirty minutes or a full afternoon.

Regularly changing exhibitions offer fresh perspectives.
Permanent collection anchors bring historical depth.
Accessible programs welcome learners from preschool to adult.

Plan your visit: Hours, admission, location, dining, and groups

Plan your visit with clear hours, free entry, and dining options that turn a gallery stop into a full outing. Admission is always free, which makes spontaneous visits easy. Check hours before you go: Wed 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Thu 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (late), Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. The site is closed Mon–Tue.

Find the building at 4420 Warwick Blvd in the Country Club Plaza district. For live updates on exhibitions and the permanent collection, call 816-753-5784, email communications@kemperart.org, or visit kemperart.org.

plan your visit kemper museum contemporary art

Eat and gather

Make lunch or brunch part of your visit. Oil on Linen, led by James Beard Award nominee Chef Ted Habiger, serves lunch and weekend brunch that pairs well with gallery time. The legacy dining setting of Café Sebastienne surrounds meals with Frederick J. Brown’s 110-piece “The History of Art” cycle.

Groups and schools

Bring a group or plan a field trip. The venue supports tour groups, college visits, preschool-to-adult school partnerships, internships, and professional development. Staff offer flexible scheduling and accessibility support for programs and tours.

Essentials: Free admission and late Thursdays for evening visits.
Contact: 4420 Warwick Blvd — call or email to confirm parking and access.
Dining: Lunch and brunch at Oil on Linen; Café Sebastienne provides a memorable setting.
Groups: Book guided tours, virtual sessions, or PD workshops in advance.

Conclusion

Free admission and frequent exhibitions make this a simple, inspiring stop for contemporary art. Visit 4420 Warwick Blvd to see rotating shows and a strong permanent collection that rewards repeat visits.

Turn a gallery visit into a full outing by adding lunch at Oil on Linen or soaking in the Café Sebastienne setting. Programs and tours make planning for a group quick and flexible.

Expect celebrated artists and fresh discoveries in each gallery. Check the website or call before you go, then enjoy a relaxed day of museum contemporary displays, modern contemporary work, and thoughtful public programs.

FAQ

What are the museum’s hours and is admission free?

The museum welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9:00 PM. Admission is always free, so you can explore modern and contemporary art without a ticket fee.

Where is the museum located and how can I contact staff?

You’ll find the museum at 4420 Warwick Blvd on the Country Club Plaza. For questions, call 816-753-5784 or email communications@kemperart.org. The official website lists current exhibitions and program details.

What should I expect from current and rotating exhibitions?

Expect a dynamic mix of 10–12 special exhibitions each year, including traveling shows and self-curated projects that highlight living artists and historical figures. Exhibitions focus on modern and contemporary practices across media.

Which artists are featured in the permanent collection?

The collection includes major names such as Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois, David Hockney, and Nan Goldin, alongside regional artists. Rotating displays spotlight different strengths of the permanent holdings.

Is the building accessible and what is notable about its architecture?

The facility, designed by Gunnar Birkerts, features a 23,200-square-foot concrete, steel, and glass structure with an articulated skylight atrium. Public spaces and galleries are ADA accessible; contact visitor services for specific accommodation needs.

Are there programs for families, schools, and adult learners?

Yes. Free public programs include family art days, K–12 field trips, college tours, and professional development for educators. Adult workshops, lectures, and gallery talks complement changing exhibitions.

Can my group arrange a guided tour or private visit?

Group visits and guided tours are available for school groups, community organizations, and corporate outings. Advance reservations are recommended to ensure availability and tailored experiences.

Where can I eat on-site or nearby?

Café Sebastienne offers a thoughtfully curated menu and dining surrounded by original artworks. For casual lunch and brunch options, Oil on Linen by Chef Ted Habiger provides seasonal dishes in a creative setting.

Are there volunteer or membership opportunities?

Yes. Volunteer roles support education, special events, and visitor services. Memberships and donor programs provide benefits like previews, discounts, and invitations to member-only events—check the website for current levels and perks.

How can I see works from the permanent collection if I can’t visit in person?

The museum’s website and digital platforms highlight rotating collection highlights and virtual exhibition content. Online resources often include high-resolution images, curator notes, and recorded talks.