The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Linda Hall Library one of just five national grants for a study identifying climate impact and resiliency options.

“The Nelson-Atkins is delighted to partner with the Linda Hall Library for this important project, which will advance our strategic priorities of learning from our communities to better connect all people to art and ensure the museum’s future through responsible, ethical actions,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins. “Climate smart planning is necessary to ensure the collections in our care are secure for the enjoyment and education of future generations.”

The museum and the library will conduct building system operational reviews through a consortium model to identify climate impact and resiliency options, which will result in a climate smart strategic plan with broad implication to humanities organizations of various sizes and disciplines. The project will also serve as a pilot for formation of a Cultural Eco-District in the geographic area surrounding the museum and library, a concept that has been in discussion with local leaders for decades.

“I am delighted about the partnership with NEH, Nelson-Atkins, and the Brush Creek community, which demonstrates our dedication to addressing climate change.” says Dr. Eric Dorfman, Linda Hall Library President. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in making this grant a reality.”

The primary outcome of the project is to develop comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies to lower climate impact while planning for resilient future operations. The facilities teams at each organization will consult with and be guided by BNIM and GDS Engineering throughout the project.

The project proposal was endorsed by the mayor’s office, Stowers Institute, and Climate Action KC through letters of support submitted with the application. The $300,000 grant requires a full match in order to be utilized, with fundraising concluded by March 31, 2025.

The 18-month project will be kicked off by the analysis team during the summer of 2024.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The museum opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds.

The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access to its renowned collection of more than 42,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and Native American and Egyptian galleries. Housing a major art research library and the Ford Learning Center, the museum is a key educational resource for the region.

The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45^th and Oak Streets, Kansas City, MO. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission to the museum is free to everyone. For museum information, phone 816.751.1ART (1278) or visit nelson-atkins.org.

About the Linda Hall Library 

Since 1946, the Linda Hall Library has been amassing collections that have powered investigation, innovation, exploration and inspiration. Today, the Library is a leading independent research library widely known for the breadth and depth of its collections across 82 languages, its role as an international destination for scholarship and research, its support of teachers of the STEM curricula, and the vast resources it provides to learners of all ages interested in scientific exploration and discovery.

For media interested in receiving further information, please contact:

Kathleen Leighton, Manager, Media Relations and Video Production
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
816.751.1321
kleighton@nelson-atkins.org