14 Free Museums in KC
With all the museums Kansas City has to offer, it’s not hard to find one your family will enjoy. This guide is full of the best FREE museums and exhibits around town. Most of these free museums in KC are open daily but some do require an appointment for weekends or groups. Make sure you check your museum’s hours before heading out.
Check out this list of free museums and start planning a day of learning, culture, history and so much more.
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111-1818
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is filled with interesting exhibits & art pieces.
Free admission gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts. So, head to the Nelson with your family this weekend!
Union Station
30 West Pershing Road Kansas City, MO 64108-2410
The 100-year-old Union Station is a hub of culture, education, and entertainment. Visit Union Station and the Model Train Gallery for free daily. They also have paid exhibits and attractions to visit all week long as well.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
4420 Warwick Blvd Kansas City, MO 64111-1821
Kansas City’s acclaimed, free contemporary art museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is definitely worth a visit! The Museum boasts a rapidly growing Permanent Collection of modern and contemporary works of art from around the world, and hosts exhibitions, installations, film and video series, lectures, concerts, workshops, and other creative programs.
Kansas City Museum
3218 Gladstone Blvd Kansas City, MO 64123-1199
The Kansas City Museum recently updated Stage I and Corinth Hall (the mansion). The Kansas City Museum shines a light on the spirit of KC, history, and pride. Admission to the museum is free and they are open Thursday through Sunday. Come learn more about our hometown today!
Kansas City Garment District Museum
801 Broadway Blvd | Kansas City, MO 64105-1596
The KCM@HGD provides 3,300 square feet for exhibitions, programs, and events, and it is adjacent to Garment District Place Park. In addition, the KCM@HGD is across the street from the Historic Garment District Museum, a 1,000-square-foot space located at 801 Broadway in the historic Poindexter Building at the northeast corner of 8th St. and Broadway Blvd.
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
1101 Delaware St. | Lexington, MO 64067
This state historic site became famous after the Civil War battle in 1861. You can even walk through the house to see bullet holes from the Battle of Lexington! Be sure to stop by the visitors center to get a full look at the site, including the gardens & orchards, battlefield & more.
Money Museum
1 Memorial Drive | Kansas City, MO 64198
The Federal Reserve has a free unique museum in the heart of KC. The Money Museum has interactive exhibits, history, and the legacy of the Harry S. Truman Coin collection. The Money Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am- 4:00pm.
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
12345 College Blvd Overland Park, KS 66210
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art has a variety of collections available for viewing as well as special exhibits. This free museum is beautiful and great for the whole family to explore.
Legler Barn Museum and Depot
14907 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66215
The Legler Barn Museum is free and features Lenexa’s history through the decades. The Train Depot also includes a retired caboose and railroad artifacts.
Atkins- Johnson Farm and Museum
4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd Gladstone, MO 64119
This historic building in Gladstone has been transformed into a beautiful museum that features family heirlooms and artifacts from the 1800s.
Richard L. Sutton Jr. Geosciences Museum
Miller Nichols Library 800 E. 51st Street, Room 329 Kansas City, MO 64110
From fossils to Cephalopods, this free museum located at UMKC is open to the public daily. This is one museum that is so unique and perfect for science lovers.
Black Archives of Mid-America
Horace M. Peterson III Building 1722 E. 17th Terrace Kansas City, MO 64108
The Black Archives in KC is a rich museum full of history, artifacts, and immersive exhibits. The Black Archives is open Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday.
Hallmark Visitors Center
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Stop in this iconic visitor center to explore the history and the story of how Hallmark began. This museum is always free and open to all ages.
The Clay County Museum
14 North Main St. Liberty, MO
This 3 story museum is always free and available online 24/7. When you visit this museum, you will get to see the history of Clay County.
Have you been to any of these museums yet? If not, grab those calendars and start planning a visit with your family, class, homeschool group, and more. As always, we highly recommend contacting the museum or visiting them online for any announcements regarding closures and special events.
