Explore Art Course
Each of Art Course’s nine holes are inspired by a work of art in the Nelson-Atkins collection.
Hole 1: Jawbreaker Machine
The game starts here! Try to make it past the stray gumballs and through the machine for a chance at a hole in one.
Design: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Inspiration: Wayne Thiebaud, Jawbreaker Machine
Sponsor: Suburban Lawn & Garden
Hole 2: Branch Out
Roxy Paine’s dendroid branches in all directions. Choose your path carefully and try not to get lost in the tangle.
Design: Nelson-Atkins Teen Guides
Inspiration: Roxy Paine, Ferment
Hole 3: Op-Art
The optics of Tomasello’s seven-sided polyhedrons can be tricky. Don’t let the colors and shapes distract you from the perfect shot.
Design: Andrew Wilson
Inspiration: Luis Tomasello, Chromoplastic Mural
Sponsor: Karbank Real Estate Company
Hole 4: Banc Ensoleillé
Go ahead, take a seat. This hole was made for you to take a moment’s rest while your opponent tries to putt below par.
Design: A to Z Theatrical Supply and Service
Inspiration: Niki de Saint Phalle, The Bench (Le Banc)
Hole 5: Zoomy
You’re midway through the fairway! Pass this dynamic puzzle to keeping whirling your way through.
Design: Brett Payton
Inspiration: Mark di Suvero, Rumi
Sponsor: JE Dunn Construction
Hole 6: Eyy Putter, Putter
Step up to the plate and your opponent will “pitch” you the ball through the shoot. Putt your ball into the outfield and finish at the KC Heart — a signature symbol of the Kansas City Monarchs.
Design: Sierra Swift | Fabrication: Dimensional
Innovations
Inspiration: Radcliffe Bailey, Mound Magician
Hole 7: Heaven Putt Hell
Just like its source material, there’s no shortage of imagery here to capture your attention. Take a swing at a hole in one or play it safe and putt around.
Design: Parker Story
Inspiration: Marsden Hartley, Himmel
Hole 8: Pedal!
Hop on and pedal to test your opponent’s mettle! The faster the spokes, the tougher the shot.
Design: Jacob Hodson & Jesse Crupper
Inspiration: Evelyn Hofer, Girl with Bicycle in the Coombe, Dublin (not on view)
Hole 9: Shuttlecocks
We’ve landed at the birdies. The stakes are anything but miniature at the final Art Course hole. Play it safe with a circuitous route — or take a flyer over the building for a shot at hole in one!
Design: Lee Ernst
Inspiration: Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Shuttlecocks
Sponsor: Suburban Lawn & Garden
Go on a scavenger hunt
If you’re craving challenges beyond Art Course, grab the scavenger hunt activity at the Art Course Putter Pick-up Station. Use it to venture through the museum and match up the mini-golf holes with their collection counterparts. Bring your completed activity to the Museum Store for a special prize!
Share your game
Taking pics? Tag the @NelsonAtkins and use #ArtCourseKC.
