Did you know that Kansas City was once home to the famous painter Thomas Hart Benton?
Benton lived in Kansas City from 1935 until his death in 1975. His home is now a Historical Site. Let me show you what a 6 hour fully curated day can look like.
When we arrive at the Benton House on Belleview Street, you’ll see the two-and-a-half story house built of limestone. Within the house, you’ll find lots of treasures and stories about his life. Just outside the house in a small building is his studio. It looks as if he just stepped out for coffee. Filled with paint jars, painters’ tools, canvas’ and so much more. You can see the process he used for sculpting by first drawing the idea, then smaller rough sculptures as he processed into the finished art.
Inside the house you can walk up the very stairs he used. One may expect to see Thomas right around the corner.
You’ll see some of the books Benton illustrated and see the harmonica he played…plus, you’ll learn about some of the famous visitors to his house from writers and architects to poets and political leaders. Did you know that when he was commissioned to do a mural for the Truman Library. A very large project that Benton and Truman developed over a long period of time. (insider tip- that mural and the story of it is still located in The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum located in Independence, Mo.- another amazing destination)
Once you’ve had your fill of the Benton House, we will take a peek at the house just down the road that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. (unfortunately, it is a private residence but we can drive by very slowly 😊) as we head over to The Nelson Atkins Museum for lunch in the beautiful Rozelle Square. The perfect setting to take a break before out guided tour through the Nelson to see more of Thomas Hart Benton’s art work.
If there is time available, we can also stroll the Nelson outdoor sculpture garden to see many works by one of my favorites, Henry Moore.
This is just one of the many tour inspirations we provide.
If you enjoyed the Benton Tour, we know you’ll love the next one. Come join us on your next single day tour; will it be to the Kemper Contemporary Museum of Art or Walt Disney’s Hometown or perhaps we will go zip lining and go find our marbles at Moon Marble company!
Activity Level:
This tour will be capped at 38 people for a more personable tour.
Moderate walking, uneven surfaces. Home portion of the tour has stairs at the entry and an upstairs w/no elevator access. (historic home)
Please call with any accessibility questions before purchasing tickets.