KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Museum has completed the first phase of its multimillion-dollar renovation project.
The $22 million renovation of Corinthian Hall has transformed the hall from an early 1900s look to a modern museum. Of the price tag, $8 million came from general obligation (GO) bonds, another $8 million came from the Museum Mill Levy and about $6 million came from private donations.
"The colors in here (salon) are actually the original colors of the home that we brought back into this environment," Anna Marie Tutera, executive director of the Kansas City Museum, said.
The museum closed two years ago after realizing it was time for the hall and other buildings to get a makeover.
Organizers said they have new galleries, updated amenities and have created a new Corinthian Hall. Workers have used several original pieces from the house throughout the renovation.
"This chandelier is original (dining room)," Tutera said. "It was restored and re-lamped, and has 600 prisms."
From the trim to the floors, it has all been restored. There are now touches of the 21st century with speakers in the walls and interactive rooms for kids.
"It gives an opportunity for visitors to really experience Kansas City's past, present and future," Tutera said.
The second and third floors will serve just that — having artifacts showing Kansas City's history and, more importantly, teaching the younger generation about their city.
"For projects like this to really thrive and be sustainable, it's important to create the whole story of Kansas City and create a very unified community," Tutera said.
She has one goal when people visit the museum.
"I want them to feel really proud of living in Kansas City," Tutera said.
The museum is expected to reopen in late 2020.
