#63 – Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Cost: Free
Features: Two levels and 11 galleries of contemporary art.
Good for: Having a Ferris Bueller art museum moment.
Tip: Grab lunch next door at the charming Café Tempo.
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Kansas City’s contemporary art museums. Thanks to the Nerman Museum, the Johnson County Community College campus has been hailed as one of the best college campuses for public art.
About the Nerman Museum
In 2003, Jerry and Margaret Nerman, two of the area’s most prominent contemporary art collectors, pledged $1.5 million to assist the construction of a contemporary art museum on the campus of JCCC. After the fundraising of $13.5 million dollars more, construction began.
Covered in Kansas limestone, the building is a minimalist and elegant addition to the JCCC campus. The two-story museum features 11 gallery spaces, Café Tempo, a 200-seat auditorium, two classrooms, art storage and preparation spaces.
Featured Works at the Nerman Museum
The Nerman Museum features an expansive collection of art with photography, painting, clay, sculpture, student works and more. Many pieces of the museum’s permanent collection is on display throughout campus.
Because the museum is in the center of a busy community college campus, parking can be difficult. After a few rounds in the parking lot and garage, a spot will eventually open up.
With 11 gallery spaces at the Nerman Museum, there are also regularly changing exhibits. My favorite exhibit that is currently on display is Universal Boxes by May Tveit. All the pieces in the collection are made from cardboard boxes.
Some other pieces that were my favorite:
- Brian Junen’s Air Jordan series (works all made from deconstructed Air Jordans.)
- Rena Detrixhe’s Red Dirt Rug (Loose, red soil from Oklahoma formed into a intricately designed rug.)
Don’t just look to central Kansas City for great art and culture. There’s lots to experience in Kansas City’s suburbs, too. xx, Libbie.
