On March 15, 2025, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opened their “Building Belonging: Designing the future of the Nelson-Atkins” exhibit that features six potential designs for an extension to the museum.

The exhibit is a part of an international contest hosted by the Nelson-Atkins to determine which design will be chosen and then built. Each design includes approximately 61,000 square feet of new additions, as well as partial renovations to the existing museum building. 

 The project is expected to be the “single biggest investment in the arts in Kansas City in recent years,” according to the museum’s website. With it, the Nelson-Atkins hopes to “attract new audiences by creating vibrant spaces to host more art, and new immersive and interactive creative experiences for the community.”

The exhibit features 3D models of each potential design, as well as written statements from the designers who made them. The final six designs were selected from 180 submissions. The exhibit is open through June 1, 2025, and the community is invited to share their thoughts on which design should be chosen. 

To view the six final designs, visit: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art International Design Competition | Finalists’ Gallery 

To share your thoughts on which design you like best, visit: Global Architectural Competition | Nelson Atkins