KANSAS CITY.- Beginning Sept. 2, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will devote Tuesday to its tours for school groups and close the Museum to the general public. The adjustment in Museum hours will allow the Nelson-Atkins to continue serving schools, while also offering more access to working adults by staying open late both Thursday and Friday evenings.

The change in hours reflects the Museum’s diligent work to be fiscally responsible in the current deteriorating economic climate. Like many institutions and tourist destinations, the Museum is responding to skyrocketing fuel costs and the unpredictability of energy costs. By closing on Tuesdays to the general public but remaining open to volunteer-led school tours, the Museum will be able to save on labor costs related to day-to-day operations.

“The Nelson-Atkins is in good financial condition, but is committed to adjustments now to ensure a strong future,” said Marc F. Wilson, Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell Director/CEO at the Nelson-Atkins. “It is important to the Board of Trustees that we continue offering free admission every day to everyone. We hold that very dearly. And, being a free museum, we do not want to pass along cost increases to our visitors.”

Based on visitor statistics, Tuesday emerged as the day best suited for a reduced schedule. Wilson said it had been a valuable exercise to look closely at operations and determine what was most important to the Museum’s mission. What emerged was a belief that free admission was paramount, as well as continued access for the region’s school children and for people who work during the day. He noted that museums nationally are shifting toward offering more evening hours to accommodate working adults who cannot attend events or drop by the museums during weekdays.

“Since its opening in 1933 the Museum has demonstrated a deep commitment to the school children and to the educational agenda of Kansas City and this area, and we are now reserving the Museum on Tuesdays to that audience,” said Wilson. “Many people in Kansas City remember their childhood visits to the Museum, and we want to build on that with their children and grandchildren.”

Museum hours, starting in September, will be as follows:

Wednesdays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sundays: Noon–5 p.m.
Spencer Art Reference Library hours for the public will be as follows:
Wednesdays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 1 p.m.–4 p.m.