To kick off its 85th year, Kansas City’s leading institution on history, culture, and regional storytelling is excited to announce a new name and brand identity: Kansas City Museum is now The Museum of Kansas City.
The name change and new brand identity reflect a meaningful transformation of the beloved institution from a history museum focused on Kansas City’s past, to a city museum that embraces the humanities to explore the past, present, and future.
“When we completed the renovation of Corinthian Hall, we knew we needed a name and brand identity that better communicates who we are and celebrates the stories we tell,” said Anna Marie Tutera, Director & CEO of The Museum of Kansas City. “We wanted a vibrant brand identity that reflects the Museum’s mission to connect, inspire, and celebrate the threads that make up Kansas City’s rich cultural tapestry.”
The Museum of Kansas City is excited to unveil the new name and a primary logo as part of a larger brand identity update, developed by Highline Partners, a KC-based brand marketing agency. Overall, the new brand identity is based on the idea of individual stories that come together, intersect, and overlap as part of a larger story. Just as a loom joins threads into a tapestry, the new logo design symbolizes the Museum’s commitment to weaving together diverse stories, perspectives, and voices. At the Museum, each thread offers a unique glimpse into an individual journey that makes up the narrative fabric of our city.
The new name and brand identity for The Museum of Kansas City will gradually be revealed across all Museum assets over the course of the year. The new brand includes red and blue, the city’s signature colors, to illustrate a welcoming spirit for all and the vibrant energy of Kansas City’s people. When these colors combine, they produce purple, representing the intersection of diverse viewpoints, the strength of collective impact, and the richness of our shared human experience.
Variations of this logo will feature specific themes, communities, and collaboration across projects, programs, and exhibitions in the years to come. Wisteria, the Museum’s boutique, Elixir, the Museum’s soda fountain, and Café at 3218, where the Museum hosts culinary programs, will also evolve to reflect the new look and feel of the brand.
The new identity for the Museum is a significant milestone as the institution celebrates its 85th anniversary since being founded on May 5th, 1940, in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast area. Throughout the anniversary year, The Museum of Kansas City will host a series of special events, including the 10th annual Derby Party, and new exhibits and programs.
The Museum also continues its multi-year, multi-staged capital campaign called “Making a Museum KC” to secure funding for the restoration and rehabilitation of the entire historic property.
About The Museum of Kansas City (MKC): The organization preserves, interprets, and celebrates Kansas City through collections, exhibitions, and bold programs that reflect the City’s evolution and spirit, and engages visitors in unfolding stories about Kansas City’s vibrant history, cultural heritage, and pride. The Museum of Kansas City is a hub of learning, creativity, and collaboration where individuals and communities innovate and inspire engagement and civic unity. The Museum property is owned by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and governed, managed, and operated by the Kansas City Museum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, through a cooperative agreement with the Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information about the rebranding, please visit www.museumofkansascity.org
