The Museum of Kansas City is currently showcasing two significant exhibitions that delve into the city’s local and international connections through community stories, creativity, and preservation efforts.
Dunbar: Kansas City’s First Black Suburb
This exhibition highlights the legacy of the Dunbar neighborhood, which emerged as Kansas City’s first Black suburb in 1915. It celebrates the community’s resilience, collective vision, and enduring pride in the face of challenges such as segregation, redlining, and economic hardships. Co-curated by local residents and museum curators, the exhibition honors figures like Paul Laurence Dunbar, reflecting themes of dignity and hope.
Connecting Cultures Across Kansas City: The Hand-in-Hand Folk Art Collection
Curated by Christina Loya of the Mattie Rhodes Center, this exhibition features over 200 folk art pieces, showcasing the richness of handmade objects in preserving cultural identities and connections across generations. Originating from Alice Ann Biggerstaff’s collection, this display includes works from artisan families and acknowledges the unnamed creators whose craftsmanship shapes cultural memory.
Both exhibitions emphasize the power of storytelling—through neighborhoods and artworks—to connect people and preserve the diverse histories of Kansas City. Entrance to both is free for the public. For further details, visit museumofkansascity.org.
