The Nelson-Atkins is gearing up for a major expansion. See 6 renderings of what’s possible

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art selected six concepts that may transform the site as part of a major expansion effort to create a more open and inviting space to host more art and immersive experiences for the community.

The public can provide feedback to help the museum pick its best fit. Check them out online or in-person from March 15 until June 1.

The Nelson hosts more than 42,000 art objects — particularly known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, sculptures and Native American, African and Egyptian galleries.

In order to serve an increasing audience and hold more exhibits, the free museum held a design competition for the use of an additional 61,000 square-foot space, an outdoor campus and a partial renovation of the original building. The construction budget would come completely from private donations, not tax dollars, according to a news release.

The new space may include a photography center,new featured exhibition galleries, learning and engagement spaces for hands-on art activities, a black box theater for digital art and immersive programming, and a restaurant for indoor and outdoor dining and events.

The competition to take on this project began in October 2024, including 182 teams from 30 countries.

Now, six finalist teams will move forward to the museum’s Architect Selection Committee in late spring for interviews. The Board of Trustees will make the final decision.

See the final designs below:

Kengo Kuma and Associates, Tokyo, Japan

Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Genoa Italy

Selldorf Architects, New York, New York

Studio Gang, Chicago, Illinois

Weiss/Manfredi/Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism, New York, New York

Why Architecture, Los Angeles, California

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:50 PM.