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Museum Restoration

Just in time for the 100th anniversary of the first stage of building at Corinthian Hall, the Kansas City Museum is undergoing an extensive renovation and restoration. The replacement of all windows and doors in the residence and carriage house, as well as efforts to reduce lead and asbestos inside Corinthian Hall requires access to interior and exterior walls.

Because of the disruption, all the museum’s collections have temporarily been removed to a safe storage facility, until the completion of restoration efforts. Once the project is finished, Corinthian Hall and several of its outbuildings will be evaluated for safety. City regulations require that the interior of these buildings be closed during the restoration.

The visitors center and the StoryTarium (formerly the Planetarium) will remain open throughout the restoration. View a schedule of programs there. In addition, an outdoor panel exhibit on the perimeter of the museum grounds provides visitors with accessible walking tours and educational information.

Due to the extent and indefinite schedule of the work, visitor services on the site will be curtailed, but appropriate public programming will still go on. This will lead the Kansas City Museum to investigate and consider new program formats, multiple venues, and even outreach programming within the metro community. Ongoing activities will aim to fulfill the museum’s mission, maintain a positive public image, and maintain high public awareness of the Kansas City Museum and Corinthian Hall. Stay up-to-date about museum restoration activities through our newsletter.

This process began in 1996 when the first important architectural survey of Corinthian Hall was conducted by Claybaugh Preservation Architecture. The survey took account of the effects of age and change on the condition of the house and outbuildings, and explored the possibilities of renovation. In 2005-6, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, funded repairs to the roof and masonry of the residence, and other, selective repairs.

Though current renovations are causing major disruptions, the potential for growth and new life in the museum is tremendous. Not only is Corinthian Hall being repaired and revitalized, the project allows for some museum redesign and new exhibition presentation

The Kansas City Museum, along with Union Station, will maintain an active administration and operations presence during the course of the reconstruction. Offices have been relocated from the mansion itself to the gatehouse and lodge, and additional museum programs will be relocated to the Conservatory and Hammer Hall.

Restoration work at Corinthian Hall will preserve important architectural elements like this ornate stained glass window.



A worker carefully removes samples used to duplicate the profile of an original window moulding at Corinthian Hall. The restoration process will include restoration or replacement of windows and doors throughout the building.