Bloch Building opens at Nelson-Atkins Museum
By Monika Pizzichemi
AforA traveled to Kansas City, MO this past weekend to attend and document the opening of the Bloch Building at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. While we were there we filmed Steven Holl for the “Architect’s Forum.” Mr. Holl took us for a walk around the building where he discussed the innovations that were necessary in order to make this building a reality. The footage of this walk, as well as some of the lectures that we heard at the museum will be posted at www.AforAsite.com.
Once again, we were very impressed by the staff at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Every person who works at the museum was on hand during this busy weekend, some working 16 hour days, in order to greet and help the expected 15,000 plus visitors. Even with this busy work load and long hours, we found the same hospitality that we were extended the last time we visited, when the Bloch building was still closed to the public. The volunteers and docents were all knowledgeable, courteous, and excited to be on hand for the opening of this historic building. It is rare that an organization would have such a strong group of support staff, and it is a wonderful thing to see. Thank you all for making this experience so enjoyable.
Many reviews have been written about the Bloch building. and I would refer you to them, as my words would just be redundant (see the NY Times and Time Magazine). There are detailed accounts of the opening weekend in the Kansas City Star - you can access them at http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/143586.html and http://www.kansascity.com/nelson/ and also a look at how the artwork stands up to the new building at http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/144230.html
There is also a very interesting Blog at the museum’s website that should not be missed: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/blog/
We would like to extend our congratulations and gratitude to the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Steven Holl Architects, and all of the contractors involved for creating this special building when at times it seemed the odds were against them.
Steven Holl discusses the special glass designed for the Bloch Building for our camera
Steven Holl discussing the joining of the new building to the 1933 building
Steven Holl shows us how daylight shimmers on the exterior of the lenses
Steven Holl discusses the quality of the light created by the “Flutter T’s” above the African Arts Gallery
Members of the Hall family cut the ribbons to officially open the Bloch building
The public enters the Bloch building for the first time
Steven Holl greets friends and fans after the opening ceremony
The public enjoying the art in the Contemporary Galleries
All photographs Copyright 2007 ArchitectureforArt.com and Monika Pizzichemi




























