Studio Gang Shortlisted for Expansion of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has shortlisted Studio Gang for the design of a new expansion on the Museum’s campus in Kansas City, Missouri.  The expansion’s goal is to attract new audiences by creating a vibrant space to host more art, and new creative, immersive and energizing experiences. The scope will include new galleries, visitor spaces, and programming areas, along with the activation of outdoor spaces within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. This presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the museum’s continued evolution and support its vision of being a welcoming, vibrant cultural center for all.

“We were delighted with the extraordinary response from the global design community to our expansion project,” said Evelyn Craft Belger, Chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees and the Architect Selection Committee.

“Choosing the finalist teams was difficult given the extraordinary breadth of talent interested in the project. In keeping with the high expectations of the Kansas City community, the final list identifies some of the most respected designers working in museum architecture today. We look forward to seeing the six concept designs which will articulate six unique visions of a new and even more dynamic Nelson-Atkins.”

The first stage of the competition, which launched in October 2024, attracted 182 teams from 30 countries on six continents. In recognition of the high quality of submissions, the museum’s ASC expanded the shortlist from the envisioned five to six teams. The finalists will now visit the museum for a detailed briefing and begin working on their concept designs over the next three months.

In Spring 2025, the museum plans to host an exhibition of the finalists’ concept designs. The teams will have the opportunity to articulate their visions and their studio’s perspective of the challenge. Visitors will be encouraged to provide feedback to the museum on the different submissions.

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