We all know just how much there is to do around Kansas City; however, that also means that sometimes things get left behind in the chaos. Sometimes, in the rush of First Fridays and city events, you forget about what’s been here for a while. Just like the people that make Kansas City their home, there’s also a variety of museums that cover cultures from across the world. These 10 museums are just a few that you simply must visit if you live in the area, or you’ll be missing out on great local attractions. Have you been to all of these?
1. Arabia Steamboat Museum (400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri)
When this steamboat sank in 1856, some thought it might carry gold, while others thought it only carried fine China. However, after the work it took to excavate it, they found so much more that had been preserved wonderfully over the years.
2. The Nelson-Atkins Museum (4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Missouri)
Probably the most popular museum in the city is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. It was opened in 1933, and provides the area with a stunning example of artists from all times and places. That, and a huge "badminton court" to take pictures on.
3. American Jazz Museum (1616 E 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri)
This museum is the only one of its kind in the world, being solely focused on the preservation, exhibition, and advancement of Jazz. It hosts hundreds of concerts every year, and seeks to expand the knowledge and appreciation of the music genre. Plus, we helped a few stars get their big break, so why not dedicate a section of KC to their talent?
4. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (1616 E 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri)
This gorgeous museum is a testament to its namesake - the Negro Leagues of baseball. It talks a great deal about the injustices that African Americans faced during that time period. The sports memorabilia is arranged perfectly, so everything is organized and tells a fascinating story about this era in history.
5. National World War I Museum and Memorial (2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, Missouri)
Founded in 1921, this museum is one of Kansas City's most popular tourist attractions, but there are changes that happen at the museum frequently, so you definitely don't want to miss the cool new exhibits that come in.
6. Airline History Museum (201 NW Lou Holland Dr., Kansas City, Missouri)
If you or a family member love planes, this is a great place to start. There's nowhere like it in the area, and it's a great commemoration to the development of commercial airplanes.
7. The Money Museum (1 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, Missouri)
The museum here isn't too big, but you definitely have enough to do for an hour or two. You get to take a bag of shredded money, as well as see just what 40 million dollars looks like up close. However, you'll need to plan ahead a little, because you'll need to get through a security check before you can see the museum.
8. Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center (720 N 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas)
There are over 30 rooms at this museum, each filled with permanent exhibits featuring the people of cultures like Poland, Russia, Slovenia, and many more. There's also a Hall of Immigrants, where you'll find photos and artifacts from many families who settled here during the late 1800s to early 1900s.
9. Kansas City Garment District Museum (801 Broadway St., Kansas City, Missouri)
In the lobby of this building, you'll find the Garment District Museum, which has collected over 300 garments made right here in KC. Many of the buildings near here date back to the 1870s, and the clothes transport you right back to where they started.
10. Hallmark Visitors Center (2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri)
What started out as a teenager with some postcards and a dream, has evolved into a huge business based around Kansas City. If you haven't seen these vintage cards and ornaments, you definitely need to!
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