2026 Bloch Building maintenance and enhancements
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Bloch Building will undergo interior and exterior maintenance beginning in January 2026 and continuing throughout the year. Refer to this page for updates on timeline and gallery closures.
About the project
As a prelude to the campus transformation announced in 2024, the Nelson-Atkins is beginning extended maintenance of our existing buildings.
Replacing original elements of the Bloch Building with essential, state-of-the-art advancements, these updates will improve the guest experience, better protect art on view, and lay a strong foundation for the future — all while preserving the museum’s iconic architecture.
Planned maintenance
Updates to the building’s exterior will replace the original waterproofing membrane with a brand-new, modern system. Additionally, the building’s green roof will see a full replacement of its soil, grass, and native plants as well as hardscaping.
Interior maintenance will include painting and repairing interior walls and resurfacing the floors.
These updates will not change the Bloch Building’s beloved architecture.
Timeline
Bloch Building maintenance will begin in January 2026 and continue in phases throughout the year. The work is projected to be completed in December.
Although hours are subject to change, construction is anticipated to occur on weekdays between 7 am-3:30 pm.
Impacted spaces
During maintenance, the Bloch Building’s contemporary, photography, and African galleries will close and reopen on a rolling basis. Bloch Lobby and its amenities and entrances are expected to remain open throughout 2026. We do not anticipate disruptions to planned annual events, such as cultural festivals.
The Nelson-Atkins building and its galleries are expected to remain fully open during this time.
Temporary closures and notices
Gallery Closures
Bloch Building galleries will close and reopen on a rolling basis during maintenance. Refer to the following for the most up-to-date closures. (Dates subject to change.)
Closures beginning this month:
- Jan. 12: Photography | L10
- Jan. 20: More Is More | L11
- Jan. 21: African | L9
- Jan. 29: Contemporary | L6
More upcoming closures:
- Feb. 9: Painted Worlds | L13-15
- March 2: Personal Best | L8
- March 3: Sparkle! | L7
- March 11: Contemporary | L4-5
Parking and vehicle access
The free parking lot north of the Bloch Building will close to the public in early March 2026. The parking garage at 45th and Oak Street will remain open and unaffected.
A portion of Rockhill Road will be temporarily reduced to a single lane beginning in March.
About the campus transformation
Building maintenance, preservation, and improvements are early steps in the museum’s planned campus transformation. Read more about our vision for the future Nelson-Atkins.