Kansas City’s public art is woven into every nook and cranny of the metro. If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll probably even find murals, sculptures and carved fountains along your daily commute. The artsy side of Kansas City extends far beyond downtown or Westport--it's found throughout the entire KC region. Check out the public art and galleries that KC Destinations' member cities have to offer. As a bonus, these can all be explored while practicing safe, social distancing.
Liberty, Missouri
Spend the afternoon enjoying art to your heart's content in Downtown Liberty, Missouri. You’ll find sculptures, statues, murals and a great art gallery featuring local artists. The Liberty Arts Commission has curated a Rotating Sculpture Program, which brings new sculptures to Downtown Liberty every year. Download the Otocast app to hear descriptions and inspirations of each piece from the artists themselves. While you make your way around, you’ll also find the statues of the Great Americans Project, featuring Susan B. Anthony, George Washington and Mark Twain. Plus
Clay County, Missouri
Art that makes you smile is just a short drive away to Molly Roberts Studio in Excelsior Springs. Every piece of art in her store is one of a kind and you never know what you will find from textiles, clothing, glass art, Molly Dollys, jewelry, paintings and other exciting creations. Molly loves creating fun, whimsical, colorful and entertaining pieces of art, whether it’s through an Acrylic Painting, Wire Art, Mixed Media, a Molly Dolly or jewelry. You can find a piece of her in every item.
Check out Merriam’s art exhibitions across the city. Take in the outdoor sculptures like Still Time located at Johnson Drive and Merriam Drive, Planting the Seeds at the Merriam Marketplace, or the Motherhood sculpture at Merriam Historic Plaza. You’ll find an artistic touch in every corner of Merriam. Learn more.
Kansas City, Kansas
Murals change the landscape of a community, bringing together colors and paint to celebrate the history and diversity of an area. The Avenue of Murals Project includes eight outstanding murals in a four-block long corridor along Minnesota Avenue in downtown Kansas City, KS. Each mural celebrates the history and culture of Kansas City, KS and the unique groups within the community. Over 30 creative and energetic high school students were involved in the four-year project under the guidance of professional artists. Learn more.
Gardner, Kansas
Located in downtown Gardner you’ll find one of the best pottery studios in the Kansas City area – Spinning Earth Pottery. For almost 25 years, Artist Danny Meisinger has been creating beautiful works of art, from coffee cups to signature pieces that are on display at exhibits and venues across the Midwest. Visit the Spinning Earth Gallery to view his magnificent work, purchase a work of art for your home collection or participate in one of his hands-on workshops. Located at 102 S. Elm St., Gardner, KS.
Shawnee, Kansas
Check out the Shawnee murals! Take a quick drive down Shawnee Mission Parkway and up to Johnson Drive to see three great, picture perfect murals. On Shawnee Mission Parkway, just west of I-35 on the southside of SMP, you’ll find Pioneer Crossing Park that houses a massive sculpture mural by local artist Charles Goslin dedicated to the history of the pioneers who crossed the trails within Shawnee City limits. Just a bit north at Johnson Drive and Nieman Road, explore Shawnee’s downtown where you’ll find a hand painted mural that showcases Shawnee in the design of a quilt (located on the west side of the Pegah’s Family Restaurant - 11005 Johnson Dr). A few blocks down the street near Aunt Jean’s ice cream shop at 11210 Johnson Drive, is where you’ll find a great picture opportunity in front of the Shawnee mural!
Lenexa, Kansas
Save this Outdoor Public Art Guide for your next trip to Lenexa. 12 unique sculptures are spread throughout the City. Join in the fun with the Lenexa Public Art Photobomb Contest! Take creative selfies of yourself and/or your family members photo-bombing or being photo-bombed by the public art pieces, and then submit your photo(s) for your chance to win a prize. The contest runs through July 31, 2020.
Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park is home to world-renowned contemporary art, one-of-a-kind exhibits, and immersive art experiences. You could say KC|OP is doing art right. This year, with the outdoors being one of our greatest attractions, take a tour of our many murals painted by local artists that are brightening up walls around town.
Leavenworth, Kansas
Take a stroll along Shawnee Street in historic downtown Leavenworth and discover public art from murals to sculptures to green spaces. One can easily social distance while viewing the art work. There are several retail businesses open as well on Delaware Street which is one block south. Learn more.