This free art museum is home to a vast collection of local and international art. The building’s exterior is just as impressive as the art within.

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art began with the private collection of Bebe and Crosby Kemper in 1994. The wealthy couple had built a large personal collection of more than 700 pieces and with the assistance of local businesses were able to open their museum to the public. The museum was designed by Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts, who sought to structure the building around the theme of progress in modern art. From above, the building resembles a bird in flight.

Before or after your visit, be sure to wander through the grounds and take in the building and the sculptures surrounding it. Two large cast iron artworks greet you one a giant spider and the other a modern and playful take on Rodin’s The Thinker.

Inside, the museum is partitioned into various wings that hold the permanent and temporary exhibits. In the permanent collection, admire works from 1913 to the present day. Artists include Arthur Dove, Damien Hirst, Robert Mapplethrope and Hung Liu. The art spans across all forms, from paintings and sculptures, to installation and photography. The museum has also housed temporary exhibitions from renowned North American and international artists.

Join one of the free docent-led tours that will guide you through the current exhibitions. There’s no need to register for the tours. Find a schedule of dates and times on the museum’s website.

The museum’s Café Sebastienne is regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city and is open most days for lunch and for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Stop in for a light snack during the day or enjoy dinner in the museum’s surrounds.

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is located off Warwick Boulevard in Kansas City and is accessible by public transport down Main Street or by car. Parking is free. Admission is free year-round. The museum is open every day except Monday.