Exterior view of the Kansas City Performing Arts hub, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing its glass facade and modern architectural design.

Architecture & Spaces at the Kauffman Center

Art, Architecture and Inspiration

on a Napkin

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts has become an iconic piece of the Kansas City landscape, as a home for extraordinary performing arts accessible to everyone.

And to think that the building’s design started on a napkin.

In 2000, Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman had a dinner meeting with renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who drew his first sketch of the Kauffman Center on a restaurant napkin. Then and there, they knew it would change the Kansas City skyline, as well as the arts community throughout the region.

About the Architecture

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a regional hub for music, opera, theater and dance, serving also as the performance home of three of the region’s leading performing arts organizations.

The Kauffman Center’s two performance venues — Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall — are distinct structures, each housed in their own architectural shell which contains their individual acoustical environment. The building’s glass roof and walls provide sweeping views of Kansas City to the south. The north façade features arched stainless steel walls that rise from the ground like a wave.

A modern theater with tiered seating, featuring red and orange seats, curved design, and intricate lighting, showcases exemplary architecture and thoughtfully designed spaces when viewed from an upper section.

Performance Halls

Kauffman Center covers nearly 285,000 square feet, including two main performance halls, the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall.

A modern building with large glass panels and angular design, reminiscent of the dynamic architecture found at Kansas City Performing Arts, sits on a green lawn under a blue sky with clouds. Trees line the left side of the structure.

Exterior

27 cables are anchored by the weight of the pre-cast walls and hold up the lobby’s awe-inspiring glass enclosure. The exterior surfaces include glass, pre-cast concrete, and bead-blasted stainless steel.

Spacious modern atrium with large windows, glass walls, and light beige flooring. Features a small seating area with white tables and chairs, and a white curved structure in the foreground.

Interior

The building includes Brandmeyer Great Hall, office space for Kauffman Center staff, plus rehearsal spaces, warm-up rooms, dressing rooms and 196 public restroom stalls.

The Performance Halls

A view of an empty theater auditorium with multiple rows of red, cushioned seats and a modern stage setup, taken from the upper balcony at the Kauffman Center.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

Inspired by the great opera houses of Europe, Muriel Kauffman Theatre is designed to be visually striking, while providing an intimate experience for both audiences and performers.

Learn More About Muriel Kauffman Theatre
A modern concert hall with tiered seating and a stage set with musical instruments for an orchestra.

Helzberg Hall

Helzberg Hall is oval in shape, with a vineyard-style seating configuration. The stage extends into the hall, placing 40 percent of the seats alongside or behind the stage.

Learn More About Helzberg Hall
Spacious modern atrium with large windows, a few tables and chairs, and an open view of a cityscape in the background. The area features minimalist decor and ample natural light

Brandmeyer Great Hall

Calling Brandmeyer Great Hall a “lobby” is akin to calling the Milky Way a “constellation.” However, the Kauffman Center grand lobby space features a four-level curtain wall of glass so that guests can enjoy a stunning view of the Kansas City skyline. This grand space accommodates up to 450 seated guests or up to 1,000 guests for a reception-style event.

As you mingle before taking your seat, you can enjoy art exhibits, refreshment bars and the Kauffman Center Gift Shop.

360 Degree View

A modern interior space with large glass windows, a curved counter, and bar stools on a red carpet floor offers an inviting atmosphere.

The Balconies

Located under the glass curtain wall, all three upper-floor balconies provide a picturesque setting for up to 100 seated guests or up to 200 reception-style guests, perfect for intimate couples’ dinners or large cocktail receptions.

A modern dining area with white chairs and tables, set with napkins and glasses, and decorated with purple orchids, is beautifully integrated into the architecture of the space, featuring a backdrop of geometric wall panels.

Founders’ Lounge

Prior to a performance, Kauffman Center guests have the opportunity to enjoy a hand-crafted specialty cocktail or exquisite, freshly prepared cuisine in the Founders’ Lounge.

Dining at Kauffman Center

A group of people are mingling and sitting at tables in the Concert Hall Reception Suite with red carpeting and a tall sculpture. Some are standing on a staircase leading to the area.

Reception Suites

The Ewing & Muriel Kauffman Reception Suite and the Concert Hall Reception Suite are more intimate spaces, each allowing easy access to performance halls while being well-suited for cocktail receptions and meetings.

A modern glass-walled building with a curved roof is illuminated at dusk. This stunning example of architecture features large, prominent metal beams and is surrounded by grass, all set against a backdrop of clear blue sky.

Arts District Terrace

Located on the lawn outside the majestic glass lobby, the Arts District Terrace can accommodate large groups of varying guest counts. It offers a spectacular outdoor view of the city.

A wall featuring colorful handprints surrounds text explaining that children's handprints are donations supporting community arts, beautifully displayed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Visitors can view this heartwarming exhibit as part of a guide to the Kauffman Center.

Children’s Wall

For a $1,000 donation, payable over five years, your child’s colorful handprint will appear permanently on The Children’s Wall, a special area of distinction on the entry level of the Kauffman Center. Participating children can live anywhere in the world and still take part, as we can easily add a handprint to the wall, whether you drop by in person, communicate through the mail or chat with us online.

Installation of new handprints on the Children’s Wall will occur every September to coincide with the Kauffman Center’s anniversary.

The Children’s Wall is in the Level 2 Plaza Lobby of the Kauffman Center.

Children’s Wall

A wall mural titled "Inspiring Great Futures" features colorful handprints, musical notes, and children's photos, seamlessly integrating with the architecture and spaces of the PNC Grow Up Great Gallery in partnership with St. Mark Center.

PNC Grow Up Great Gallery

The PNC Grow Up Great Gallery showcases nearly 300 handprints created by local Pre-K students at four child development centers: St. Mark Child and Family Development Center, Metro Early Learning Center, Growing Futures Early Education Center and El Centro Academy for Children.

PNC Bank created the gallery in partnership with the Kauffman Center as part of an effort to inspire great futures for local children by providing them exposure to the performing arts to enhance their creative minds.

The PNC Grow Up Great Gallery is in the Level 2 Plaza Lobby of the Kauffman Center.

PNC Grow Up Great Gallery

The Art of Kauffman Center Architecture

A modern glass building with curved architecture is illuminated against a deep blue evening sky. Inside lights and visible people suggest an event or gathering occurring inside.

Kauffman Center South Exterior

Exterior view of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts during sunset, showcasing its distinctive curved architectural design. Enhance your visit by exploring volunteer opportunities in Kansas City while you're here.

Kauffman Center North Exterior

A modern glass building with a curved facade and exterior support cables is illuminated at dusk, evoking the sleek design of the Rent Kauffman Center.

Kauffman Center South Exterior

A modern building with a curved glass facade reflects sunlight. The structure is supported by numerous cables extending from the roof to the ground. A paved walkway and green area are nearby.

Kauffman Center South Exterior

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, showcases its unique shell-like architectural design under a clear blue sky. This renowned Performing Arts Center in Kansas City stands as a testament to innovative design and cultural enrichment.

Kauffman Center North Exterior

A modern building with large glass panels and angular design, reminiscent of the dynamic architecture found at Kansas City Performing Arts, sits on a green lawn under a blue sky with clouds. Trees line the left side of the structure.

Kauffman Center South Exterior

A modern building with large, curved, silver metallic panels and a glass entrance under a clear blue sky. The structure is identified as "Kauffman" based on text seen on the right.

Kauffman Center North Exterior

Modern architectural structure with a metallic, ribbed exterior and an inscription that reads "The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts." Pathway and ornamental grass in the foreground.

Kauffman Center North Exterior

Spiral staircase and sleek modern architecture define this interior space. A sign on the wall reads "Muriel McBrien Kauffman Theatre." Large windows and a glass ceiling allow natural light to flood the area, offering a glimpse into the Kauffman Center's architectural brilliance.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

A view of the interior of Brandmeyer Great Hall, featured in the Kauffman Center, showcasing modern architectural design with a curved white wall and glass display case.

Kauffman Center Gift Shop in Brandmeyer Great Hall

Bright, open interior space featuring curved glass railings, stairs, with large windows offering a cityscape view from the Kauffman Center.

Grand Staircase in Brandmeyer Great Hall

Modern, open-concept atrium with large glass walls, curved white balconies, a spiral staircase, and minimalist furnishings. Natural light floods the space, creating a bright and airy ambiance.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

Modern architectural interior featuring a curved staircase with glass railings, sleek white walls, and an expansive glass ceiling with white fabric panels

Grand Staircase in Brandmeyer Great Hall

Spacious modern atrium with large windows, glass walls, and light beige flooring. Features a small seating area with white tables and chairs, and a white curved structure in the foreground.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

Interior view of spacious Brandmeyer Great Hall featuring curved white balconies and large glass windows.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

A modern, spacious indoor area with glass walls, minimalist white structures, curved balconies, and a reception desk. Stairs connect different levels and natural light floods the space.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

A spacious, modern atrium with large glass windows, a staircase, round tables with chairs, and a curved upper balcony.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

Interior of the Performing Arts Center in Kansas City, featuring modern curved white staircases and a glass roof that lets in abundant natural light.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

A modern architectural interior with a large, curved glass ceiling, white columns, and multiple levels of open balconies and walkways. The design allows ample natural light into the space.

Brandmeyer Great Hall

A modern cafeteria with white walls, large windows, and scattered tables with chairs. A tall plant is placed near a wall with geometric patterns. The space is clean and well-lit, much like the architectural elegance of the rest of the Kauffman Center.

Founders' Lounge

A modern interior space with large glass windows, a curved counter, and bar stools on a red carpet floor offers an inviting atmosphere.

6th Floor Balcony

A modern indoor space with a glass ceiling, red carpet, and white tables and chairs, the area appears bright and airy.

7th Floor Balcony

A spiral staircase with beige steps and white railings descends alongside a bright red carpet, illuminated by small wall-mounted lights

Staircase in Brandmeyer Great Hall

A view of an empty theater auditorium with multiple rows of red, cushioned seats and a modern stage setup, taken from the upper balcony at the Kauffman Center.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

An empty, modern theater with red and beige seats arranged in a semi-circular pattern across multiple tiers.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

An empty theater with rows of red and orange seats, multiple balconies, and modern architectural design of the Kauffman Center.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

A modern theater with tiered seating, featuring red and orange seats, curved design, and intricate lighting, showcases exemplary architecture and thoughtfully designed spaces when viewed from an upper section.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

A spacious, multi-tiered theater with rows of red and orange seats, illuminated stage lighting, and decorative interior balconies.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

Interior view of an opera house with multiple tiers of balconies filled with empty red seats, all perfectly aligned as if placed from detailed seating maps, and illuminated by warm, ambient lighting.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

A spacious theater auditorium with red seats, multiple balconies, and a large stage with a closed curtain, the Kauffman Center Presents venue epitomizes modern elegance. The ceiling features an exquisite lighting design that enhances the ambiance for every performance.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

A modern concert hall with tiered seating and a stage set with musical instruments for an orchestra.

Helzberg Hall

A modern, empty theater with blue and turquoise seats, wooden paneling, and a stage at the front under bright overhead lights—an architectural marvel.

Helzberg Hall

A view of an empty modern concert hall with multiple tiers of seating, wooden interior walls, and a well-lit stage. The seats are blue with wooden backs, and there are spotlights mounted above.

Helzberg Hall

A spacious auditorium at the Kansas City Performing Arts center features wooden walls and blue cushioned seats arranged in rows, viewed from the stage. The room is empty and well-lit with tiered seating extending to the balcony.

Helzberg Hall

A modern concert hall with a wooden interior, strategically placed lighting, a large stage, and tiered seating arranged in a semi-circular pattern. Seating maps are available to help guests find their perfect spot easily.

Helzberg Hall

A modern concert hall with wooden interiors, multiple seating levels, and an organ in the background. The stage is brightly lit, and the seating is arranged in curved rows.

Helzberg Hall

See Our Seating Maps

Discover the seating layout that delivers intimate views of your favorite performances.

Seating Maps

Aerial view of downtown Kansas City, featuring the Kansas City Performing Arts center with its modern building and white roof, surrounded by green spaces and urban architecture.

Plan Your Visit to the Kauffman Center

Located just blocks from the Kansas City Power & Light District, the T-Mobile Center and the Crossroads Arts District, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts sits at the very heart of Kansas City’s revitalized and reenergized downtown.

At the Kauffman Center, you can enjoy dining, drinks and a performance. Add even more to your arts experience by discovering the rest that Kansas City has to offer!

A Guide to Kauffman Center

Coming Soon to the Limelight

See All Upcoming Events

A Decade Dedicated to Building a Legacy

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, showcases its unique shell-like architectural design under a clear blue sky. This renowned Performing Arts Center in Kansas City stands as a testament to innovative design and cultural enrichment.

The late Muriel McBrien Kauffman first discussed a performing arts institution with her friends and family in 1994.

One year later, her daughter, Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, began exploring the project.

By 2000, they had chosen a location and an architect—the renowned Moshe Safdie. They broke ground in 2006 and the Kauffman Center celebrated its grand opening in September 2011.

History & Mission

Support Excellence for Everyone

We strive to be a performing arts center where art and community meet and everyone can walk away with a truly memorable experience.

Your donation keeps that dream alive. Thank you for supporting the Kauffman Center, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Donate Now

Black and white. Modern architectural building with a curved glass facade and illuminated interior, captured at night against a dark sky, showcasing innovative design in Architecture and Spaces.
A spacious event hall with large windows showcases exquisite architecture, featuring round tables covered with navy blue tablecloths and beige chairs arranged around them. The setup is perfect for a formal gathering in such elegant spaces.

The Architecture for Your Special Event

Kauffman Center has a variety of extraordinary and unique spaces that would make any private event unforgettable.

Whether a wedding reception or a corporate event, our team will work with you to identify the ideal space for you and your guests’ needs. Contact us today to make your next event the talk of the town.

Rent a Space

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