NAMA

I read in the New York Times this morning that the new Steven Holl-designed addition to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art back in Kansas will open this weekend. Every time I return to Kansas, I try and stop by to check in on the construction. I first took note of the addition when I was quickly growing tired of living in Portland. I was really ashamed that Portland had so little to offer in terms of architecture. Really, it's most famous building is that hideous Michael Graves building with the statue of Portlandia out front.

Much about the Nelson is amazing. It's not a huge museum, but it has a lot to offer. I really respect the fact that those managing the Nelson have allowed admission to remain free. The lawn is just amazing. It's got a great collection of Asian art, and even it's modest-sized collection of Modern and Contemporary art is admirable.

I quite enjoyed reading the article in the Times about the Bloch Building. Too often Kansas City makes it in the national news for things other than something of which one can genuinely be proud. The photographs of the addition make it look great and I'm quite excited about this new direction that NAMA has taken.

The link to the article is here.