Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Tours

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts which includes interior views and modern architecture
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts which includes theater scenes and interior views
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts showing interior views and modern architecture
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts which includes interior views, theater scenes and modern architecture
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts


See everything from ballet to pop to Broadway shows in this impressive venue, which is an example of some of Kansas’ most distinctive architecture.

Discover Kansas City’s rich cultural life at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This famous venue is a distinctive feature of the Kansas City skyline, as beautiful inside as it is outside. It is home to several of the city’s most established arts and classical music companies. See them live here or enjoy one of the big-name pop acts or musicals that regularly pass through.

The Kauffman Center opened its doors in 2011 and drew over 475,000 visitors within its first year. The center was conceived as part of a plan to invigorate downtown Kansas City. The innovative building is one of the city’s most iconic. Stand outside and see how its characteristic curves and ridges suggest some similarities to the Sydney Opera House. Walk around to the other side of the building and see how different it looks from another angle, where the soft curves are hidden and the glass walls jut out at a sharp angle.

Check the schedule to select from the diverse range of acts that perform at the center. Several resident organizations are based here. Watch the Kansas City Ballet dancers glide across the stage or get caught up in the drama of a performance by the Lyric Opera. This is also a great place to enjoy classical music at its best, with the Kansas City Symphony also resident.

Theater, musicals, contemporary music acts and talks and discussions all appear on the program regularly too.

Before you head into the auditorium, enjoy a meal at the Dining Experience. Sip wine and sample three courses of tasty local food to get in the mood for an evening of performance.

Its downtown location makes the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts easily reachable. Take public transportation to the nearby Kauffman Center KC Streetcar stop or park in the on-site garage. Pay to park in the garage and enjoy its public arts project based on light and music.

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Best Lodging Options Near Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Loews Kansas City Hotel

Loews Kansas City Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO
Loews Kansas City Hotel
Kansas City Marriott Downtown

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
200 W 12th Street, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Marriott Downtown
Crossroads Hotel

Crossroads Hotel

4 out of 5
2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO
Crossroads Hotel
Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown by IHG

Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
101 West 11TH Street, Kansas City, MO
Hotel Indigo Kansas City Downtown by IHG
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

4 out of 5
1 E Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown Crossroads

Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown Crossroads

2.5 out of 5
1571 Main Street, Kansas City, MO
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown Crossroads
Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
1301 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO
Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown by IHG
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City Beacon Hill

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City Beacon Hill

3 out of 5
2321 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City Beacon Hill
Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Downtown/Convention Center

Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Downtown/Convention Center

3 out of 5
1535 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO
Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Downtown/Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

At the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including private tours and live entertainment. The venue hosts a range of performing arts events, featuring live orchestras and captivating theater performances. Explore nearby attractions to enhance your visit, making the most of your time in this vibrant cultural hub.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit the City Market of Kansas City, just 1 mile from the Kauffman Center, offering local goods and a lively atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Zona Rosa and Oak Park Mall, both 12 miles away, featuring family-friendly shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

T-Mobile Center offers an energetic atmosphere with thrilling sports events, perfect for those seeking excitement. Kansas City Memorial Hall provides a vibrant cultural scene with live concerts, while Swope Park invites you to unwind amidst nature, featuring walking trails and serene spots for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Oceans of Fun, a thrilling waterpark 8 miles from the Kauffman Center, offers family-friendly rides and attractions for endless summer fun. For a scenic outdoor adventure, explore the Santa Fe Trail, located 0.7 mile away, featuring beautiful landscapes perfect for hiking. Enjoy the excitement of Jaegers Subsurface Paintball, also 8 miles away, for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Nightlife

Experience the adventure at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, only 0.9 miles away, perfect for families. For a cultural evening, catch a show at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, just 0.4 miles away. Don’t miss the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, 0.7 miles away, for an entertaining night under the stars.

Find the best attractions near Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

While visiting the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, you can explore a range of attractions including the nearby Kauffman Stadium, art museums, and various arena entertainment facilities. These points of interest cater to travelers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and vibrant city life. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local arts scene and enjoy the diverse events hosted in this iconic venue.

  • Kansas City Convention Center: Located 0.4 miles from the Kauffman Center, this venue is perfect for business events and conferences. Its modern facilities foster a professional atmosphere, making it a hub for networking and collaboration.
  • Crown Center: Situated 0.9 miles away, Crown Center is a vibrant tourist precinct ideal for families. Enjoy outdoor activities, dining, and shopping in a lively environment that encourages exploration and fun for all ages.
  • Science City at Union Station: Just 0.6 miles from the Kauffman Center, this interactive science museum offers engaging exhibits that blend culture and education, making it a fantastic destination for families eager to learn through hands-on experiences.

Best time to go to Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Visitor numbers around Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.0°F (26.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

To save money during your visit to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, consider traveling from December to February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations, and explore package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash rewards. Additionally, take advantage of free activities and public transport to explore Kansas City without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May, July and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize other preferences. You can easily sort your results from the lowest to the highest price, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.