The sculptures both inside the museum and outdoors in The Kansas City Sculpture Park are interesting. The Sculpture park features the country’s largest collection of monumental bronzes by the British sculptor Henry Moore as well as works by other modern masters. Several of these bronze sculptures remind me of large blobs. Others are quite abstract in a geometric way. There are also some really nice ones that realistically represent figures. The giant 18 feet birdies are the most intriquing sculptures to me. There are 4 of them on the grounds. They're positioned in both the front and back of the museum to depict a game field with the building acting as a net. The sloping "yard" is very large and beautifully landscaped. A great place to sit and contemplate your next destination.

Being close to the Art Institute of Kansas City, there are usually lots of students here with their pads of paper and art supplies trying to recreate the works of the masters.

It's also just a couple blocks northeast of The Plaza, a couple blocks south of downtown, and a couple blocks north of UMKC---a convenient stop to or from any of these places.

More information about the Nelson Atkins museum can be found at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/

for your trip to the upper floors. This is an outstanding museum. They have 58 galleries and 11 period rooms. They have works by Cranach,

Titian, Caravaggio ,

Reubens, Monet, Tiepolo , Sargent, Viger LeBrun

and two Frans Hals Portraits

( one on loan from St Louis).There is also a nice display of American Furniture and a wall of paintings by different members of the talented Peale family. The works are displayed in small galleries where you can really enjoy them instead of these huge intimidating rooms. Also the guards were very friendly and helpful offering information and advise to the young people who were visiting. We saw more families and children here than anywhere else on our trip in an art gallery. This museum is also well know for its Asian collections. They have rooms of chinese porcelain and furniture. This museum can be seen in an hour but it will be an hour well spent. There is also a sculpture garden where modern sculpture is on display.

William Rockhill Nelson donated most of the resources that created the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The museum is divided into collections--Egyptian, Greek and Roman in one wing. Renaissance/Christian works, Baroque, Roccoco and Impressionism in another wing. The second floor includes American art with a special hallway devoted to Kansas City native Thomas Hart Benton. The other wings on the second floor are devoted to Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian cultures. The small third floor houses the American Indian works.

Classical works include a panel of Monet's 'Water Lilies', Van Gogh's 'Olive Orchard', and Michelangelo's 'St. Jean the Baptiste'. Do not miss the completely reconstructed Buddhist temple on the second floor. You must sit for a moment and meditate to enjoy the full experience.

Step inside the Rozelle dining courtyard for a view of a huge fountain and become surrounded by the large balcony from the second floor. The food is excellent, but a bit pricey.

Avoid the museum at all costs on Saturdays. It's free and many little critters (children) like to ruin the peaceful experience. All other times are okay.