It might not be keys to the city, but it’s pretty darn close. KC’s iconic Nelson-Atkins Museum just tapped WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture — out of nearly 200 global proposals — to dream up its next evolution. The winning pitch? “A Connected Tapestry,” weaving together art, nature, and some serious wow-factor for the museum’s ~$170 million, 61,000-sqft addition.
Here are a few defining details from the winning bid:
- Skyline scenes: A rooftop terrace garden topped by a solar trellis, serving panoramic views of KC.
- Transparent galleries: Floor-to-ceiling windows linking art spaces directly to the Sculpture Park.
- Pollinator-friendly paths: A “painterly meadow” filled with native plantings that’s practically begging for photo ops.
- Rozzelle Court reboot: Bringing back its original open ceiling-feel with skylights, while dining moves to a new indoor-outdoor Terrace Café.
- New perspectives: A fresh second-floor window above those iconic columns, framing the south lawn perfectly.
Renderings via WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Renderings via WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Renderings via WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Renderings via WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Renderings via WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Renderings via WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Curious about what could’ve been? Catch the five other finalists’ visionary designs in the museum’s “Building Belonging” exhibit through May, in-person or online. Stay tuned to your favorite morning newsletter as timelines roll out.
