FAQ

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri at 1601 Broadway Blvd and can be easily accessed by major highways or public transportation. The Kauffman Center KC Streetcar stop is located at 16th & Main. Bicycle racks are available on the side south of the building to the east and west.

• From I-35 North, exit at West Pennway. Travel one block east to Washington. Turn left (north) onto 17th Street, and then turn right (east) to Kauffman Center.
• From I-70 West, exit at either 13th Street or Locust/Truman. Travel west to Baltimore Street, and then turn right onto 17th Street. Continue west on 17th to the Kauffman Center.
• From I-35 South, exit at 20th street. Travel east to Broadway, and then turn left, traveling north to Kauffman Center. Turn right on 17th.
• From I-670, exit to I-35 south and follow the directions above.

Additional Information: kauffmancenter.org/parking

The adjacent city-owned Arts District Garage has 1,000 spaces and is convenient, secure and well-lit. Parking for events is $10 and available for purchase in advance through our website or by calling 816.994.7222. Please note that credit and debit cards are accepted at the garage, but cash is not accepted. Easy valet parking is also available on the south dropoff drive at most performances for $20 or $18 if purchased in advance.

Patrons are encouraged to pre-purchase parking and arrive early, especially when events are taking place in both performance halls. Please note that if the garage is full, patrons without a pre-paid pass will not be able to park in the Arts District Garage, and will be directed to other parking facilities in the vicinity.

Additional Information: kauffmancenter.org/parking

Digital ticketing offers you the convenience of using your smartphone as your event ticket, providing access to the Kauffman Center with a unique QR code that can be scanned from your screen. If you have digital tickets for your event, please see these instructions before visiting the Kauffman Center.

The Kauffman Center is dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience to all patrons. The Arts District Garage and the Kauffman Center have wide pathways and elevators for guests in wheelchairs. Both performance halls have seating areas reserved for patrons using wheelchairs in varying locations and at several ticket price levels. Each wheelchair position also has a companion seat available. Assistive Listening Devices are available for checkout at our gift shop prior to each performance.

For more information, please visit kauffmancenter.org/accessibility, call our ticket office at 816.994.7222 or message us.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre features the Figaro Simultext Seatback System, which can display subtitles in various languages directly in front of each seat.  Currently the Lyric Opera is translating its performances in English only.

Patrons arrive in all styles of dress. Some performances can be a bit dressier than others, but business casual is usually a safe bet. If you have questions about a specific performance, feel free to inquire at our ticket office.

There are a number of youth performances that are designed specifically for children.  For other performances, participation works best when children are at an age that they can sit quietly and avoid disturbing the other patrons. Those with children should keep in mind that, for most productions, patrons who must leave the performance venue for any reason during a show cannot re-enter the hall until an approved break or intermission.

All children must hold a ticket, regardless of age.  Some performance companies who use our performing spaces do have age restrictions and it might be a good idea to check on their individual policies.

Performances are rarely canceled due to inclement weather. In the case of snow or ice, you can count on all Kauffman Center sidewalks, driveways, and entry points to be clear and accessible.

It is possible that a tour, school program, or community event might be canceled due to bad weather. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, the Kauffman Center will update its website banner and post a voicemail recording on its main ticket office line: 816.994.7222.

The Kauffman Center places the highest priority on the comfort and safety of its patrons. The Kauffman Center provides 24 hour security and video surveillance services, plus EMT medical services at most events. Staff and ushers are trained to provide direction and support if emergency egress or severe weather refuge is required. If you have questions regarding emergency procedures, please visit kauffmancenter.org/policies or call 816.994.7222.

For single ticket purchases all sales are final. There are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations.

For season ticket holders exchanges are allowed, and are done by the presenting organization. Policies and procedures for those exchanges vary by organization. For exact requirements you should check with the specific ticket office of the presenting organization.

The ability to seat latecomers varies depending on the performance. For musical performances, latecomers can sometimes be seated between pieces.  Patrons who arrive late for the opera are generally not seated until intermission. So be sure to get to the Kauffman Center with plenty of time to find your seat and get comfortable.

Yes, coat check is located to the east of the ticket office on Level 2 and is open year-round. In addition, a cell phone charger is available at this location. Please call the ticket office at 816.994.7222 for more information.

Found items are immediately taken to the Security Console located at the Stage and Performers Entrance near the north entry. Kauffman Center Security will make every effort to identify and contact the owners of lost items. Items unclaimed after 90 days will be donated to a local charity. Cash and items of significant value left over 90 days will be treated as a donation to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. To inquire about a lost item, contact Kauffman Center Security at 816.994.7222.

There are designated smoking areas outside both the north and south entrances. Please be considerate and deposit your cigarettes in the smokers’ poles after use.

Please turn off cell phones, pagers and all other electronic devices before entering a performance hall. Noises such as a cell phone ringing or vibrating are very distracting to musicians and your fellow audience members. Texting is also distracting, so please do not text during a performance.

For patrons, taking photos during performances is prohibited unless otherwise stated. Video and audio recording of performances is prohibited. Patrons are welcome to take personal pictures in the lobby and in the theaters before the performance begins.

Reserving the Kauffman Center for professional photography is subject to a request and approval process. Please review our photo and video policy at kauffmancenter.org/policies.

Yes! We have a wonderful gift shop fully stocked with all kinds of Kauffman Center souvenirs and gifts. It is located in Brandmeyer Great Hall and is open on performance days and evenings for your convenience.

Gift certificates are available in any denomination and can be purchased at the Kauffman Center Ticket Office, by phone at 816.994.7222, or online.

Restrooms can be found on every level of the Kauffman Center.  Ask a house manager or usher for directions to the most convenient location. Most restrooms also have water fountains nearby.

Private tours, approximately 60 minutes in length, are available with advance reservations. Each tour is led by a trained guide and strives to give attendees a full experience. However, due to our active performance and rehearsal schedule, we cannot guarantee that every tour will visit both performance halls. For details and pricing information, visit kauffmancenter.org/tours.

The Kauffman Center maintains public access hours on most Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during which visitors may explore Brandmeyer Great Hall, Helzberg Hall and Muriel Kauffman Theatre with guidance from a volunteer greeter. Occasionally performances, concerts or event set-up does not allow us to offer this experience or visits may be limited to Brandmeyer Great Hall. Please be sure to check the Kauffman Center website or contact the Kauffman Center Ticket Office before your visit.

Kauffman Center has a variety of extraordinary and unique spaces that would make any private event unforgettable. Whether a wedding reception or corporate event, our team will work with you to identify the ideal space for you and your guests’ needs. Contact  to make your next event the talk of the town.

Feel free to contact us online or by phone at 816.994.7222. Information about our business hours are available here.

Volunteers are at the heart of making the Kauffman Center thrive. Whether greeting daily visitors, ushering at a performance, staffing the gift shop or working in the office, volunteers demonstrate spirit, giving and energy each and every day. If you are interested in becoming involved, you’ll find a variety of activities to match your skills and schedule. Learn more online at kauffmancenter.org/volunteer.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts supports nursing mothers by providing a dedicated space to express milk.  The room has comfortable seating, an electrical wall outlet and a monitor to view the performance.  You may reserve this room in advance by calling our ticket office at 816.994.7222.  However, access to this room is also available without prior reservations by speaking to a staff member or volunteer during your visit.

Group ticket rates are often available for groups of 10 or more and vary by performance and organization. For more information, please contact the ticket office at 816.994.7222.