Collection

4420 Warwick Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111

Contact

Kemper Museum Policies

The Kemper Museum website uses cookies. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

Hours

Employment

Docent Portal

Policies

News

Accessibility Statement

Accessibility

Atrium Project

Oil on Linen

Visit

Free Admission

Programs

Location & Directions

Plan Your Visit

Kemper Museum is a free art museum in Kansas City, Missouri that presents global contemporary art.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Arterie

Exhibitions

Permanent Collection

Exhibitions & Collection

Calendar

Groups & Tours

Volunteer

Public Programs

Mission

History

Architecture

Leadership

Community Partners

About

Give

Memberships

Legacy Society

Gala

Annual Report

Support

Café

Museum Shop

Special Event Rentals

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art acknowledges it resides on the ancestral territory of the Osage, Kaw, and Otoe-Missouria, among other tribal nations forcibly moved to the region such as the Shawnee, Wyandot, Delaware, Potawatomi, Sac and Fox and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) nations. We recognize and support the continued vibrancy of Native communities and cultures today who continue to thrive, as well as the inherent sovereignty of tribal nations. We are compelled to serve and advocate for these communities in accordance with our public mission.

Kemper Museum acknowledges and respects the diversity of Native people connected to this land today. Many recognize the land and all beings who live within it as relatives. We acknowledge the earth we inhabit, the waters of the Blue River, the Kansas River, the Missouri River, and the plants, animals, and people supported by them. 

We acknowledge our responsibility to be good caretakers of the land we occupy. 

Click here to learn more about our land acknowledgment process.

Land Acknowledgement

Join

Celebrate

Shop

Installation view, The Atrium Project: 10 Years, 10 Stories, November 7, 2025–April 19, 2026 , Charlotte Crosby Kemper Gallery, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: E. G. Schempf, 2025.

In Fall 2025, The Atrium Project: 10 Years, 10 Stories will mark the initiative’s 10th anniversary with an exhibition featuring all participating artists—several represented in the Kemper Museum’s collection.

The Atrium Project: 10 Years, 10 Stories

Launched in 2016 by then–Kemper Museum Curator Erin Dziedzic, the Atrium Project was created as a platform for emerging and mid-career Hispanic and Latine artists. Each year, one artist has been invited to create a site-responsive work for the Museum’s central atrium, activating a large, prominent convening space with bold new directions in subject or scale.  

Developed over the course of a year, each commission begins with an artist’s visit to Kansas City—an experience that often subtly informs the final work. The series provides space for experimentation, storytelling, and reflection, grounded in both personal vision and place.  

To mark the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Atrium Project, this exhibition brings together for the first time work by the nine previous participating artists: José Lerma (2016–17), Firelei Báez (2017–18), Paul Henry Ramirez (2018–19), Angel Otero (2019–20), Joiri Minaya (2020–21), Aliza Nisenbaum (2021–22), Pepe Mar (2022–23), Sarah Zapata (2023–24), and Lucía Vidales (2024–25), with Edra Soto’s commission debuting in 2026.  

Across these projects, shared themes emerge: gathering as spiritual and social act; tracing layered histories; and exploring material, memory, and identity through personal and communal lenses. The Atrium Project: 10 Years, 10 Stories celebrates a decade of artistic innovation and the Museum’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists at pivotal moments in their careers, while looking ahead to what comes next. 

Organized by Jessica S. Hong, Chief Curator, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art 

Exhibitions are always free thanks to the generosity of members and other donors. Join or donate today to support free access to contemporary art.

Raven Halfmoon

Ride or Die marks a pivotal moment in Halfmoon’s artistic evolution and a bold expansion of her creative practice. These works, created specifically for this exhibition, engage with the cultural and historical landscape of Kansas City and the surrounding region. Long intrigued by cowboy mythology, Halfmoon flips the script on the “cowboy vs. Indian” trope. Her powerful cowgirl figures dominate the space, subverting colonial narratives with punk-inflected force, as they assert control, power, and protection over both personal and collective Indigenous narratives. 

While she has previously depicted standing horses, a new large-scale sculpture of a bucking horse marks a breakthrough in Halfmoon’s practice. Responding to Cyrus Dallin’s The Scout (1921), a monument currently standing in Kansas City’s Penn Valley Park—which was intended as an homage but ultimately perpetuates stereotypical views of Native peoples—Halfmoon’s horse instead is untethered and unyielding, embodying the spirit of resistance and sovereignty at the heart of Ride or Die. 

Organized by Jessica S. Hong, Chief Curator 

Featured Artworks

Raven Halfmoon (b. 1991, Caddo Nation) lives and works in Norman, Oklahoma. Halfmoon attended the University of Arkansas, where she earned a double BA in ceramics/painting and cultural anthropology. Halfmoon’s work has been featured in gallery exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Raven Halfmoon’s first institutional exhibition Raven Halfmoon: The Flags of Our Mothers opened Spring 2024 at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, and has since traveled to the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and will continue on to The Contemporary Austin. Halfmoon’s work can be found in the permanent collections The Museum of Fine Art Houston, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, Philbrook Museum of Art, Forge Project Collection and several others national institutions. In 2023, she was selected as an Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellow (Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, IN) and in 2024 she was a finalist for the international Loewe Craft Prize.

Image Credit: Raven Halfmoon (b. 1991, Caddo Nation), Artist Portrait with The Guardians in Progress at UAP (Urban Art Projects), 2024, Bronze, 108 x 47.38 x 43.79 inches, Courtesy of the artist and Salon 94. © Raven Halfmoon. Photo: Salon 94.

A Preview of Kansas City’s 2025-2026 Arts Season

Raven Halfmoon: Ride or Die

Installation view, Raven Halfmoon: Ride or Die, November 14, 2025–April 19, 2026 , Charlotte Crosby Kemper Gallery, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: E. G. Schempf, 2025.

Edra Soto’s installation the place of dwelling, is commissioned for Kemper Museum’s tenth annual Atrium Project and is a direct response to the original 1994 Gunnar Birkerts architecture.

Edra Soto: the place of dwelling

Edra Soto (b. 1971, Puerto Rico) alters and recontextualizes common functional objects—wrought-iron screens, plastic lawn furniture, and electric fans, ubiquitous in her native Puerto Rico—to create objects and environments that celebrate the voices of working-class communities. Soto’s installation, the place of dwelling, is commissioned for Kemper Museum’s tenth annual Atrium Project and is a direct response to the original 1994 Gunnar Birkerts architecture. Addressing the tabernacle-like center atrium, Soto’s installation invests the space with personal memories of her Catholic upbringing, a gesture that both questions methods of colonial indoctrination and celebrates sacred sites filled with signs and symbols offering guidance and direction. By infusing elements of vernacular design with sacred symbolism, Soto proposes a correlation between art museums and churches as similarly charged spaces for the discovery of higher meaning.

Organized by Kevin Moore, Independent Curator 

Artist & Curator Conversation | Edra Soto and Kevin Moore

Edra Soto is a Puerto Rican-born artist, educator, and co-director of the outdoor project space The Franklin, in Chicago, where she lives. Through architecture and design, Soto’s work invites conversations around socioeconomic and cultural oppression, the erasure of history, and loss of cultural knowledge. Soto has had recent public commissions from the Public Art Fund at the Doris C. Freedman Plaza in Central Park, NY (2024); Noor Riyadh light festival, Saudi Arabia (2024); and Now + There at Central Wharf Park, Boston (2023). Her work is in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; the Pérez Art Museum, Miami; the Art Institute of Chicago; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. 

Edra Soto, the place of dwelling (2025). Porcelain, sintra, wood, paint. 54 1/2 x 54 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. 138.4 x 138.4 x 11.4 cm. © Edra Soto. Photo: Morgan Lehman Gallery.

Initially inspired by conversations around the 2026 World Cup and potential influx of international visitors to Kansas City, this exhibition foregrounds the already present and increasingly expansive global context in which we live.

The World in Kansas City

Initially inspired by conversations around the 2026 World Cup and potential influx of international visitors to Kansas City, this exhibition foregrounds the already present and increasingly expansive global context in which we live. For hundreds of years, people from different regions of the world have migrated to the region for a variety of reasons—from fleeing upheavals in their homelands to seeking new opportunities. Our artistic community has reflected this dynamic, supported by area universities and arts institutions and organizations, drawing artists from across the globe. While not intended to represent the entire world, this exhibition recognizes the complexity of these histories and narratives and commemorates this city’s evolving global spirit by featuring artists with global backgrounds who have either established themselves or had meaningful experiences in the city and region. Critically, their practices examine nuanced and interconnected systems, ideas, and experiences, revealing how we all belong to a shared social and cultural fabric. 

The exhibition is organized by Jessica S. Hong, Chief Curator, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Paul Anthony Smith (born in Jamaica)
Akio Takamori (born in Japan)
Sumire Skye Taniai (born in Japan)
Anna Tsouhlarakis (Navajo Nation, Muscogee Creek, and Greek descent)
Mikey Yates (born in Germany)
Hugo Zelada-Romero (born in Guatemala)
Hong Chun Zhang (born in China)
Among Others

Heehyun Choi (born in Los Angeles, CA; raised in Seoul, South Korea)
Juan Diego Gaucin (born in Mexico)
Hùng Lê (born in Vietnam)
Kathy Liao (born in Taiwan)
Hung Liu (born in China)
César López (born in Guatemala)
SunYoung Park (born in South Korea)
Kiki Serna (born in Mexico)

Inspired by the 2026 World Cup, Kemper Museum Chief Curator Jessica Hong created an exhibition exploring the artists, stories and city’s migration histories that reveal KC’s global roots

César López, Structural Form: Globe (expanded), 2025. 5052 H3 Aluminum, Chain, Hardware, Aluminum Rod, Shaft Collar, Motor (1RPM). 48 x 48 x 48 inches. Image courtesy the artist.

Free contemporary art museum in Kansas City, Missouri

Saturday, January 24: Due to inclement weather and out of caution for the safety of our community and staff, the Kemper Museum and Oil on Linen café will be closed today.

Learn More

Contemporary Art. Bold Voices. Free Admission.

Welcome to Kemper Museum

Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene

Practice your French and English and learn about contemporary art at Kemper Museum each Thursday.

French-English Language Exchange Club

Experience the Kemper Museum’s collections through the unique perspectives of Kansas City contemporary artists.

Beyond the Studio: Chantel Guzman-Cupil

Beyond the Studio: Isaac Tapia

Join us for a drop-in tour led by a Kemper Museum docent on the second Saturday of the month at 1 PM.  Docent guides will spark curiosity and conversation about select artworks and exhibitions. Gather at the Visitor Services desk in the Atrium at 1 PM to participate. No registration required.

Gallery Conversation with a Kemper Museum Docent

Join the Kemper Teens for an engaging printmaking workshop in collaboration with local print studio and shop Two Tone Press!

Teen-Led Saturday: Printmaking with Two Toned Press

Featuring hands-on art-making activities, guided mini-tours of the galleries, storytelling and more, Kemper Museum invites you for an art-filled day of fun for everyone!

Spring Break Family Day

Sing songs, read books, explore art, and make your own art with a Kemper Museum educator and Kansas City librarian.

Totally Tots

Visual artist, Juan Diego Gaucin will guide participants through an evening of studio-style drawing at Kemper Museum!

Studio Night: The World in Kansas City

Kemper Museum invites you to discover and experience firsthand how art can change your life, promote wellness, and improve wellbeing.

Art & Wellness: Inviting Surprise

Join us for a drop-in tour led by a Kemper Museum docent on the fourth Saturday of the month at 1 PM.  Docent guides will spark curiosity and conversation about select artworks and exhibitions. Gather at the Visitor Services desk in the Atrium at 1 PM to participate. No registration required.

Experience an evening of activities inspired by exhibitions, "The Atrium Project: 10 Years, 10 Stories" and "Edra Soto: the place of dwelling".

Open Drawing+ transforms the museum into a space for sound, exploration, and making.

Open Drawing +

Dálida and Michael (Serennata del Tres Cubano)

Paintings

Carry III

Sculptures

Carbon, silver and gold

Works on Paper

Helen Frankenthaler and Alexander Liberman in her East 83rd Street studio, New York - 1967, with GUIDING RED

Photographs

Deck

Textile Installations

In Praise of Prairie Dogs

Prints

The Wedding

Film & Video

Untitled Escape Collage

Mixed Media

Keep admission, special exhibitions, and programming free for everyone.

Home

Are you interested in practicing French and learning about contemporary art? Join us for the French-English Language Exchange Club!

Explore the museum's collection and special exhibitions through the lens of history, language acquisition, and exchange with Kemper Museum Docent Jean-Louis.

The club will meet on Thursdays at 4 p.m. for the following five sessions:

Session 1: Feb. 12 – Edra Soto: the place of dwelling
"Et si les grilles étaient la petite madeleine d'Edra Soto ? Venez explorer vos souvenirs en français."

Session 2: Feb. 19 – The Atrium Project: 10 Years, 10 Stories
"10 ans, 10 artistes, 10 histoires : laquelle choisirez-vous de raconter en français ?"

Session 3: Feb. 26 – Raven Halfmoon: Ride or Die
"Venez murmurer en français aux géantes de terre."

Session 4: March 12 – The World in Kansas City
"Coup d’envoi du championnat : quand le monde entier joue à domicile."

Session 5: March 19 – The History of Art (and French Cuisine) at Oil on Linen
"Peindre la gourmandise."

Attendees are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. All levels of French language learners are welcome.

There is no session on March 5 due to the member preview of The World in Kansas City exhibition.

Advanced registration is required. $15 non-members; FREE for Supporting Members (with code).

Click here for information on how to get to the Museum and where to find our paid parking lots. Parking is Free for Supporting Members, and ample free street parking is also available around the Museum.

Kemper Museum admission is always free, thanks to the generous support of our Members and donors. Become a Museum Member today to help sustain free access to contemporary art and community programming.

Admission is always FREE for everyone only because they are supported by many.

Beyond the Studio will feature artist and muralist Isaac Tapia and his exploration of the exhibition The World in Kansas City.

Experience the Kemper Museum’s collections through the unique perspectives of Kansas City contemporary artists! Charlotte Street Studio Residents will highlight their favorite objects on view in connection with their own artistic practices.

This month's program will feature Isaac Tapia and his exploration of the exhibition The World in Kansas City.

Isaac Tapia focuses on portraits that elevate important, yet often under-represented, members of his community and celebrate the complex narratives of contemporary migration. He blends photography, audio interviews, and traditional oil portraiture techniques to convey rich, multilayered stories and create opportunities for identification and connection. Isaac is currently a Studio Resident at Charlotte Street.

This program is free. Registration is required due to limited seating. Check-in upon arrival is appreciated but not required.

By registering for this event, you agree to receive email communications from Kemper Museum. You may unsubscribe anytime.

Public Programs are FREE for everyone only because they are supported by many.

Kemper Museum admission is always FREE, thanks to generous support of our Members and donors.

Drawing inspiration from Kemper Museum’s 10th annual Atrium Project, Edra Soto: the place of dwelling, teen participants will design geometric motifs using flat Lego tiles to create their own printing block.

Attendees are invited to experiment with layering, repetition, and color to create their own unique prints. Participants will also be invited to use their designs to create a larger, collaborative composition.

This program is free and open to teens-only (ages 13-18). Registration required. Check-in upon arrival is appreciated but not required.

Artwork Credit: Installation view, Edra Soto: the place of dwelling, January 30, 2026–March 7, 2027, Atrium, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art,Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: E.G. Schempf, 2026.

Featuring hands-on art-making activities, guided mini-tours of the galleries, storytelling and more, Kemper Museum invites you for an art-filled day of fun for everyone! 


Drop-in anytime for maker activities in the Engagement Space inspired by works on view. 


Join a docent for a family-friendly mini-tour. 

1:00–2:00 p.m.

Kemper Museum invites The Jazz Storytellers for an innovative performance for all to enjoy. Aimed at toddlers to early childhood learners, Jazz Storytelling is led by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John, drummer Mike Warren, and bassist Tyrone Clark.  


Participants will be able to engage with Edra Soto’s artwork in the museum’s Atrium through music, storytelling, and sound. 

All Day Activities

Take an adventure throughout the museum with a special scavenger hunt! 


Enter to win a giveaway from Kemper Museum Shop! 


This program is free and open to all. Registration encouraged. Check-in upon arrival is appreciated but not required.

Click here for information on how to get to the Museum and where to find our paid parking lots. Parking is Free for Supporting Members, and ample free street parking is also available around the Museum. 

Kemper Museum admission is always free, thanks to the generous support of our Members and donors. Become a Museum Member today to help sustain free access to contemporary art and community programming. 

Public programs are always FREE for everyone only because they are supported by many.