The Nelson-Atkins is synonymous with Kansas City and an absolute must-visit for visitors and locals…read morealike. Where to even start? This encyclopedic museum was built in the 1930s in a traditional beaux arts style. The original 1930s building is just as stunning today as it was 90 years ago. The original courtyard has been modified and transformed into a restaurant, but aside from that it remains largely untouched. In the 2000s the museum expanded with the Bloch building - an architectural marvel all it's own. Drive by at night to see each lens lit up. Currently they are working on another expansion, that will bring the museum into the modern era. I've spent so much time here it's ridiculous. From exploring as a child with my grandmother, to my time as a student, to exploring now as an adult there is really something here for just about anyone. Being an encyclopedic museum it features art from across the world and spanning the timeline of humanity. You can use the Nelson as a launching pad for discussing nearly any moment in time through the lens of art, which is really an impressive feat for a midsize city like KC. Some of my favorite pieces include a relic with the "finger bone" of st. John the Baptist (it's likely a chicken bone), "Woman IV" by Willem de Kooning, "Boulevard des Capucines" by Claude Monet, and "Persephone" by Thomas Hart Benton. This is the place I take all of my guests, and the place I come to when I need to reset or recharge myself. It's always beautiful, always therapeutic, and always FREE. I'm not sure folks really understand the incredible gift we have as a community to have access to this incredible place. My top KC treasure, and I hope every person gets a chance to visit someday.

My wife and I were visiting from New York for a conference in Kansas City, and several people told…read moreus that the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was a must-visit. We decided to check it out on a Friday afternoon. We had a wonderful time exploring the various exhibits and galleries. We also stopped at the café for a pastry and coffee, and everyone we interacted with was friendly and welcoming. Because we enjoyed it so much, my wife suggested we return on Saturday to spend more time exploring some of the other exhibitions. While we were there, I was taking a few photos of my wife on the second floor above the café with my iPhone when a staff member approached us in a very rude and abrupt manner. She told us that we were not allowed to take pictures inside the museum--only selfies. She then stood nearby watching us, which made the situation very uncomfortable. Because of this interaction, we decided to leave the museum right away, which was disappointing and left us with an unpleasant feeling about the visit. When we returned to our hotel, I looked up the museum's photography policy online. It states: "The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art allows personal, non-flash photography inside the galleries, but strictly prohibits professional portrait, wedding, or engagement photo shoots inside the building." The photos I was taking were simply personal pictures of my wife and were non-commercial. It seems that this staff member was not properly informed about the museum's photography policy. As a result the low rating of our visit.

Great place to visit I was surprised they didn't have the Indians they use to have Car show was…read moregreat

We went on national museum day, so admission was free. Very cool museum. Surprisingly, it is full…read moreof conservation information. A beautiful mansion. We also went to a fire-dancing performance in the yard there this summer. Love the community events!

As a huge Disney fan, there was no question about whether to visit Marceline during a recent (and…read morefirst) trip to Missouri. My family's favorite stop was the Walt Disney Hometown Museum. From our first steps into the building, we were warmly greeted and given a brief informational presentation before venturing through the museum. The museum itself is self-paced. You have the freedom to roam around at your own leisure. The building itself is two floors with plenty of Walt Disney artifacts ranging from pieces unique to his childhood in Marceline, his impact on Marceline, and various nods to Disneyland showing how Walt's time in Marceline played a part in its development. The museum is rich with history and definitely gives any Disney fan a special feeling of historical connection that one doesn't fully receive from the Disney Parks. The Walt Disney Hometown Museum has its own free parking right in front of the building. There is a small fee to enter the museum. Additionally, there is also a cute gift shop connected to the museum that is situated at the entrance of the building. Photos were encouraged throughout the visit, however, they did tell us that videos were not allowed. Marceline and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum is a bit of a trip to make since it is out in the northern part of the state with the closest airports and cities being St. Louis (about three hours away) and Kansas City (roughly two hours away). Again, as a huge Disney fan, this was worth the drive for us and I would recommend the visit to the Walt Disney Hometown Musuem if your trip allows for it.

This Walt Disney museum was very nice and impressive with the pictures, memorabilia and history…read moreabout his legacy. The outside front entrance had a really nice garden with bench seats and a clock, I believe this building was a former train station due to it being close to the train tracks and it's a Santa Fe Engine 5008 display next to the museum that looks really nice and also a 2-8-0 steam locomotive #2546. Even though the Disney museum was small it was still very nice overall experience. Walt Disney childhood home is located not too far down the and is definitely worth checking out too.

I had been here once when I was in elementary school I believe. There is a parking lot around the…read morecorner but it is very pricey, your best bet is try and find a spot on the street. There is a lot to take in (4 floors worth). There is a large section of fossils that accordingly to the displays were found in KS, which is mind blowing that there were dinosaurs this close near us. I really liked the large collection of taxidermy birds that allows you to see a bunch of the local verity in person. This museum covers everything from fossils, life reptiles, germs and more. It is well worth the suggested $7 donation at the door.

First its not a donation its 7 for adults they demanded it at the door…read more You have to pay! lots and lots of stuffed animals and fossils no minerals gems rocks went through it in 15 - 20 minutes tops enjoyed UMKC better

So many exhibits and history! Definitely a must visit if in St. Joe!…read more It was full of history and antiques. I learned a lot of new things and was able to teach my 7 year old a few things as well. I took a bunch of photos-wish I could post them all. I would definitely go back on my own, take some more time exploring. Make sure to ride the carousel! Parking was great. It was affordable, and not too busy. Stroller accessible.

We visited the Patee House, but the museum turned off all lights on us well before closing, (20+…read moreminutes before closing) and left us in a very dangerous circumstance on an upper floor in pitch black darkness. They were very well aware we were there in the museum, we spoke to them at the 30 minute and 20 minute mark when they told us they would be closing in 30, then 20 minutes and cheerfully responded that was no problem and we would ensure we were done and headed out on time. But they had zero regard for safety or patron enjoyment or experience. It is a beautiful museum but certainly do not get there within a few hours of closing. My children were scared and left having not enjoyed or learned about the experience as intended.

This is museum is an incredible gem! I would have never expected a museum of this caliber in this…read moresmall town. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed. This 1888 Santa Fe train depot interprets railroad history and local history through thematic rooms, some of which are interactive. The upstairs has an old general store, a one-room school (which kids can play in), an old soda fountain, an industry room, a Victorian parlor, and an old farm house kitchen. The downstairs has rotating exhibit space and an experiential exhibit about Bleeding Kansas, as Franklin County was the site of a massacre led by John Brown, which fueled the Civil War. My young son especially enjoyed the large model train layout! Great staff provides an overview of the museum upon entry. There is a modest entry fee. The site is accessible.

Beautiful museum! all the volunteers were helpful and knowledgeable. The artifacts are amazing…read more Could have spent all day there Highly recommend

John was a great tour guide but the lady at the start was a inconsiderate hating person that didn't…read moreenjoy her job