Darkwood House Gallery is tucked in the lower level of a strip of shops along Winner Rd. in the…read moreEnglewood Arts District. It's hidden from view from the street, but very much worth navigating your way off the beaten path, down the staircase and entering the netherworld. The gallery is a well curated space featuring several local artists works for exhibit and sale. The art is all fascinatingly dark in subject matter - with occult, gothic, necromancer... subject matter. All of the art is interspersed by collections of artifacts some for display most for sale; ranging from medical tools, taxidermy, wet specimens, a mad scientist laboratory, and all the way up to an actual human skull. DHG is not for the faint of heart, the fundamental religious or those that believe that Thomas Kinkade's work is interesting or art. The gallery director Darren is quite welcoming and engaging as was one of the featured artists that was on site - John Kelly. Local artist and "rogue taxidermist" Simone Smith was heavily featured with her wide array of pieces and the model for another featured artist's b/w photography. Check the hours before you go, they are usually open only weekend evenings, but they are well worth the trip to an under rated and emerging neighborhood. The 3rd Friday Englewood Art's Walk is a sure way to visit when they are open and see a multi-block arts fest.

It's been over 20 years since I last visited, and wow...what a nice space it has become. It's much…read moredifferent from the room I sat in all those years ago doing research. When you walk in, you're greeted by a friendly receptionist. To the left is the archives area, filled with lots of interesting history. To the right was the Life of a Film Critic exhibit, which was both fun and interesting to explore. It tells the story of Shawn Edwards from WDAF-TV, whose movie reviews I've watched for years. He's much more than just the movie review guy. There's also a coffee shop and a WNBA exhibit to explore. It's definitely a spot not to be missed for anyone who enjoys learning a bit of history.

This place is a hidden gem . I've lived in Kansas City all my life and never been in . I went with…read moremy mom and kids and loved it . So many history right here in my hometown i knew nothing about even my son found an exhibit in there he liked the WBNA exhibit i personally enjoyed the black movie hall of fame room . The security and lady working the desk was very sweet as well. There is a small coffee shop that sells drinks and sandwiches as well.

This is a beautiful place with a lot of things to do and see! I love it during the summer, but…read morethere's always something to do in kc.

First Fridays is this organic event that is ever evolving into something better. Art installations,…read moremusic, hands on community involvement, food and drinks. Fire dancers, graffiti artists, pop up bands, drinks on the patio, it can be whatever experience appeals to you the most. The art galleries are always there even in the winter with their doors open. Block after block with something new. Vendors, sometimes free samples or live bands or watching an artist create something. Of course their is always the people watching which is a sport unto it self. It definitely started with the focus being on the art but it's grown into so much more. Feels more all inclusive but I do believe this is in large part to a creativity that really resonates and keeps people coming back but also participating. Perfectly acceptable to go solo, date, group, family friends, kids, all are accounted for. You don't have to start the night out with a meal, but that's usually the route I go and than walk it off. Coffee, beer, wine, popsicles, ice cream, chocolate shops it's all available. Parking! Yikes! That can be rough but persistence will pay off and if you don't mind walking a spot will eventually materialize. Their are some parking garages available and with the street car available that might help, just allow for the extra time.

I really like the Box Gallery…read more They always have exceptional exhibits and It is Free and open from 8 am to 8 pm Mon-Fri and is located on the skywalk system downtown in the Commerce Arcade (near coffee kiosks, offices and restaurants like Charisse) and just a block from the Central Library. I wanted to Update my review to highlight the current show which ends Thursday January 25. It is really cool and worth a special trip to see! Susan Lordi Marker's "Echoes Of The Prairie: Works in Cloth" features beautiful textiles of silk, linen and cloth treated with mild acids and adorned with dyes and sometimes gold leaf that create a beautiful narrative of the light, colors and shadows that interplay in prairie ecosystems. Her passion and love for them and desire to raise awarness to their plight is inspiring. I especially love the storyboards that offer more information on the prairies and give you a chance to touch samples of all of the different fabrics and describe the artist's techniques. The exhibit is only open a few more days so get down there ASAP. Check out my pics below! #ericnielsenkc #boxgallery #susanlordimarker #kanzaprairie #missouriprairie #monarchwatch

A small art space inside a "courtyard", inside of a bank building. The Box Gallery rotates…read moreexhibits. They are open 8am - 8pm M-F and admission is free! The exhibit currently featured is one mans personal collection of paintings inspired by the Flint Hills, all created by Kansas and Missouri artists over the past 3/4 century. The paintings were interspersed with related poetry and prose, historical and geographical displays of the region and even a PBS documentary video on the Flint Hills playing on a video monitor. A small self serve art gallery - I love the concept. Can't wait for the next installation.

Sugar Rabbit Merchantile - over the train tracks off Main Street Parkville. It is not just a fun…read morestore, it's a great experience. The kids loved the candy variety. The adults loved the antiques. Good family-oriented place. Storeowners are super nice! Highly recommend!

This shop is at once brand new, yet nostalgic. They have a huge variety of fancy chocolates, gum…read moreand candy by the pound, ice cream, hot dogs, inside and outside seating, and umpteen booths of flea market items. The vintage candy selection alone is enough to rate 5 stars, but the people who work here are outstandingly upbeat, friendly, and welcoming. This is a fantastic addition to Parkville and is an excellent destination for someone who lives nearby or is passing through town. The place is large enough to accommodate a busload of people at one time!

I've been coming to their car shows at both their Olathe Museum and also at The Underground, which…read moreis the former garage for BMA tower. The concept there is that they rent garage space to the owners of collectible cars and have occasional shows there. Their business model is basically a rotating collection with a different theme every month. It keeps the offerings fresh and interesting. There are also full time displays of local car history and local racers such as Masten Gregory. Go check it out, it's a local attraction that deserves to be seen.

"Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car." -E.B. White…read more The Kansas City Automotive Museum is one of those places where the experience shifts every time you walk through the door, because the cars on display rotate in and out and each one is a "gift" from an owner who decided to share their automotive "sculpture" with the rest of us. The vehicles are packed in ticket and nearly every one comes with a caption that gives you a little history lesson about the manufacturer, the model and often the personal story of how it ended up in the owner's hands. Most of the displays include QR codes with translations, which is a thoughtful touch especially if English isn't your primary language and you want to dig deeper into the details. On my visit, the standouts were the 1925 Jordan Seven Passenger Sedan, the 1929 Packard Roadster, and the 1959 Chevy El Camino, each one rare, beautiful, and full of character. There were at least a dozen other rare cars plus a great display about the former Leeds factory, complete with memorabilia and artifacts that add a layer of Kansas City history to the experience. If you're a real fan like me, expect to spend two hours, wandering, reading, admiring and appreciating what these owners have chosen to share. Don't miss the posters on the wall with other interesting details and history. It's a tremendous time. [Review 842 of 2026 - 149 in Kansas - 26023 overall]

Artists only need apply! I love this shop for unique, handmade gifts. The artisans who create also…read moreoffer their time to run the shop. We buy a holiday ornament from this shop every year. I love the uniqueness. Every time I go in, I find something new. From knitted pieces, to stoneware, jewelry, wall pieces, embroidery, yard art....you name it. But if you love it, buy it then. Because if it sells, you're sol. I've also had artists go out of their way to help with a purchase. Prices range widely, but you can find something for everyone here. Such a great place. The shop is located in a mainly residential area, at the corner of Gregory and Oak.

We've been visiting this shop for years now, usually right around the holidays to look for gifts…read more They have lots of jewelry, ornaments and ceramics, as well as other handmade gifts to choose from. Staff is always friendly and helpful and is generally one of the artists taking their turn at staffing the location.

I'm in dire need of studio space. Anxious to learn if they are taking new artists. It's handy…read morelocation & appears a potential solution if rent is manageable.

This is such a beautiful space to not only work, but to host art and events. I have come here…read morethrice now for poetry readings and the ambiance is always so fitting and promotes creativity. Artists can either share or have their own rooms to work and present their art, or it can be presented out in the lobby / gallery area among others. Additionally, they have a small kitchen to hold drinks and snacks. Lastly, they host classes and are available for rent. If you're fortunate to come by, you won't be disappointed!