WEISS/MANFREDI selected to design Nelson-Atkins Expansion in Kansas

Their guiding theme united the trilogy of architecture, landscape, and community as reciprocal elements that work together while maintaining the majestic south lawn view into the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. WEISS/MANFREDI’s concept is aligned with the museum’s goals for a dynamic, open, and inviting design that will create more spaces to present all forms of art, as well as new opportunities for immersive and creative experiences for audiences of every age. The museum’s Architect Selection Committee made the recommendation of WEISS/MANFREDI, describing the project as the best to fulfill the museum’s aspirations, and the team as sensitive to Kansas City while being engaging, smart, creative, and curious. The choice was ratified by the Board of Trustees shortly thereafter. Having selected the lead architect, the museum will now begin the months-long process of turning the concept into more specific and detailed plans to meet the long-term needs and goals of the community.

“WEISS/MANFREDI’s concept absolutely blew us away as it captured the spirit of the museum while offering a bold vision for our future,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins. “Central to our competition was the need to respect the Nelson-Atkins’ original, neoclassical building, as well as our beautiful Bloch building, while also bringing something new to our campus. This concept delivers all of that, and we look forward to working with Marion, Michael, and their team to collaborate on an expansion design that keeps our commitment to great experiences with art and forges a deep sense of belonging and connection within our community.”

WEISS/MANFREDI’s design, which the firm refers to as a “connected tapestry”, re-establishes a front door for the museum on the north side, opens up the west side with an inviting events and learning lobby along Oak Street, and, through new gateways and paths, makes the northern and southern perimeters more welcoming to the community. The events lobby will open out to a “Commons” space and a new photography center, allowing intriguing glimpses of the original building and landscape.

The Selection Committee was impressed with the firm’s core understanding of the museum’s needs, listening to feedback carefully and responding with multiple solutions. They were convinced the firm could design a successful building that would be future-looking, beautiful in form, and engaging and inviting to the community. Public feedback reinforced the committee’s impression and was warm and positive toward WEISS/MANFREDI’s proposal. The ideas and concepts that were presented will continue to evolve and undergo modification in the months ahead.

“We are deeply honored to work with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on this transformative project,” said Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, Design Partners at WEISS / MANFREDI. “It is a rare and meaningful opportunity to reimagine the museum as a place where art, architecture and landscape converge to reveal a place of discovery and delight, and we look forward to collaborating with the museum and community to create a more transparent and welcoming cultural campus.” 

The groundwork for this moment began some years ago. Strategic conversations that had been paused in 2019 reignited when, following the pandemic, the Nelson-Atkins was cited by The Art Newspaper as a top museum in post-pandemic attendance growth with a younger and more diverse audience. Given that success, the museum began working with Cooper Robertson, an international architecture and urban design firm, on evaluating future space needs. András Szántó, an adviser specializing in cultural strategy for museums, attended several Board retreats, during which the scope of expansion and an architecture competition were defined. In response to this work, the museum engaged Malcolm Reading Consultants to launch an architectural competition that specified a new addition of approximately 61,000 square feet, along with a partial renovation of the original Nelson-Atkins building, as well as activation and amplification of the outdoor campus – all framed within a thoughtful sustainability strategy.

The international competition announced in Spring 2024 resulted in nearly 200 entries from architects in 30 countries on six continents. Six finalists were chosen to present at the museum in late-2024 and invited to display their concepts—along with models and other images—in a free exhibition at the museum, with the public encouraged to offer comments.

“This process has been thorough and illuminating,” said Evelyn Craft Belger, Chair, Board of Trustees and Architect Selection Committee. “The committee was energized with the array of dynamic designs submitted, and I want to thank all of the participating architects, and especially our five other finalists, for their creative engagement with us throughout this process. Each and every one of the proposals were unique and demonstrated an array of style and solutions to the brief. It’s important to note that the initial ideas presented are just that: ideas. None of the projects would be built as seen in the models, but they demonstrated the creativity and approach these different architects might take, making it possible for us to make our decision. In the coming months, we look forward to working closely with WEISS/MANFREDI to refine their ideas and ensure alignment with our own goals and plans.”

The Board is grateful to the advisers who offered input throughout this process, including Richard Armstrong, Director Emeritus of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, Barry Bergdoll, art history professor at Columbia University and a former Chief Curator at the Museum of Modern Art, Karen Christiansen, former Nelson-Atkins COO, consultant Arthur Cohen, András Szántó, and the museum’s Teen Council.

“The competition drew global attention with an astonishing 182 firms competing at the first stage, and a shortlist that embraced some of the most respected architects working in museum architecture today,” said Malcolm Reading, Competition Director. “We congratulate WEISS/MANFREDI on their thoughtful scheme presented with flair and brio.  We also celebrate the efforts of all the finalists – they devised highly accomplished and creative concepts in response to a complex brief.”

It is anticipated that the expansion will be privately funded. Now that an architect has been chosen, design development will commence and will be closely monitored by museum and Board of Trustees leadership. Community involvement will be actively sought, in particular from the many students who visit the Nelson-Atkins for its wide range of programs and classes.

Images: Photo credit: Dana Anderson Rendering credits: ©WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism and Malcolm Reading Consultants.