Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

I attended the symphony performance of Pictures at an Exhibition last night. They also opened with a piece called Pulse by Brian Raphael Nabors. I was looking forward to hearing it especially after learning Mr. Nabors is a fellow native of Alabama. This modern piece was my favorite of the night and that's saying a lot because Pictures at an Exhibition is fantastic as well. We were also treated to a Violin Concerto in A Minor by Glazunov which was lovely and the violinist is amazing but I didn't enjoy it as much as the other 2 pieces. That is just a personal preference and the talent on display was amazing. The guest conductor, Joseph Young, is phenomenal and majestic to watch!! The architecture of the Kauffman Center is so lovely. Looking out the glass side of the building is really cool. I enjoyed visiting the Center's gift shop where they had some fun Kauffman memorabilia along with other music and dance related trinkets. I bought a couple of fun gifts. They have a couple of open bars which serve the same items. This is the part that is really lacking to me. They had some overpriced snacks like a granola bar but a very slim selection if you actually wanted a bite to eat. They had high priced drinks as well but I didn't want alcohol and I saw no options listed that were non alcoholic on the menu. I was very thirsty so I was left to get a few sips of lukewarm water from a water fountain outside the restroom. I wish there were a few more options. I loved my experience so much that while I think this could be improved, I don't want to deduct any stars. The folks working at the Kauffman Center are fantastic. All so nice and immensely helpful! It made our experience even better. The entire Center is sparkling clean including the lovely restrooms. We pre paid for parking in the deck attached to the Center which was very nice considering how cold it was last night. To pre pay is $13. The ticket cost for this performance ranged from $30 up but all of the seats are really great and I don't think there is a bad seat. It just depends on your preference and your budget. We have already purchased tickets to a performance of Romeo and Juliet in n s few weeks. I'll do my best to remember to add some photos of the building. I highly recommend attending a performance here. The KC symphony is outstanding!!

The Kauffman Center is a work of art in and of itself and has added some glitz and glamour to the Kansas City skyline that undeniably improves it in every way. That being said, as iconic as this place now is let's dive into what makes it great and what could be improved upon from a performance venue perspective. First of all, this is a great performing arts center, hands down. Aside from being gorgeous on the exterior, the interior is equally drenched in natural light, dramatic vistas, and is enjoyable to take in. The different concert halls within the space are also beautiful, well designed, and comfortable to sit in. I've sat in a ton of different spots and there are really no terrible seats. Additionally, overall the folks working are friendly, the parking easy to get in and out of, and the restrooms exceptionally clean. Now onto what in my opinion makes it a 4/5. There are two things that I wish they'd take into consideration to make this place even better. The first is that I found some of the upper level seats to feel pretty unsafe for small children when we recently attended the Bluey show. I was feeling pretty smart booking the front row of the balcony, but then when we got seated I realized that when my kiddo was standing there was really next to no barrier to keep her from falling to her demise as it's such a low wall holding in that first row. For adults this is fantastic, but I noticed myself and all the other parents in this row aggressively holding on to their kids to make sure there wasn't an accident, and that made the whole show a bit stressful for everyone in that situation. My other anecdote dates to last year when my brother and sister in law had wedding photos taken here. I was wrangling a three year old, running behind schedule, and finally found a parking spot. I walked all over the building trying to find my family when I realized I was on the wrong side of the venue. I walked up to the entrance to pass through to the other side, as it was quite cold outside, I wasn't dressed to do another hike around the building with a toddler, and it was windy/ a storm was potentially rolling in. When I got up to the front the woman working was crazy rude to me, and refused to let me in under any circumstances since there was a performance to begin in an hour or so and I did not have a ticket. I was so taken aback and asked if there was any work around and she said no. It was a bad day, and I was about to burst into tears with frustration when someone else eventually came and offered to escort us through the building to the other side. I'm not sure why this can't be a common practice, or why there isn't a better protocol for situations like this, but it was not the best interaction with staff. So, in summary - this place is gorgeous and aside from a few one offs is a gem in every way.

I came to the Kauffman Center to attend a private black-tie event which was awesome that such an amazing KC landmark rents out their space. The floor to ceiling windows allow attendees of the performing arts center to see an amazing KC views during the day and night. When you step inside the venue it has a special elegance and vibe that makes you feel rich with culture and class.I don't think the food and beverages at the event was catered through the venue. However, the staff who assisted were very attentive and polite to each guest.Complimentary Rolls with amazing butter and Red & White WineFirst course- Salad with vinaigrette and berries Second Course - Options1. Beef- beef steak with brussel sprouts and whipped mash potatoes 2. Fish - halibut with brussel sprouts and whipped mash potatoes3. Vegetarian - multitude of veggies and polenta on red sauceDessert/ Third Course - 1. lemon tart with meringue 2. Plum trifle with dollops of whipped cream and pound cake3. Christoper Elbow truffles, 1. FLEUR DE SEL(caramel infused with grey French sea salt) 2. Lavendar (caramel infused with organic lavender flowers)This elegant event allowed me the privileged to witness a private showing with no more than 150 people, the KC Symphony in full performance. We were able to go back stage to a pop up speak easy where there was a small lounge area and bar to relax.The event we attended was Symphony Ballwhich launched the tenure of Matthias Pintscher.

We absolutely love this place. We've been here several times and it never disappoints. The drink are good and not overly expensive. The ushers and volunteers are so kind. We usually park in their underground parking. If you're a first timer make sure you take into account the security checkpoint and the many elevators you'll be taking. Plan accordingly. This place is beautiful inside.

What a great venue!! We saw the kings of Soul. They put on a great show with the symphony. If you're looking for something different to do, I would highly recommend checking out a show here!!

Having moved to Kansas City less than a year ago, we were excited to experience the arts and culture here, and the barbecue, of course!Since our next-door neighbor is a viola player in the symphony we decided to attend some concerts. We have very much enjoyed this facility. It is one of the finest we have seen in the country.The Smith Center in Las Vegas is a paragon of excellence. While we couldn't imagine anything better, the Kaufman center has surprised us. Everything there is consistently, excellent, including the wonderful and friendly staff, the parking situation, and the concessions.Just be advised that you are not allowed to bring any liquids into the concert halls, a fact that would be beneficial to explain to someone purchasing a bottle of water immediately before the show only to be told, they cannot take it inside.

It's been a while since I've been to the Kauffman, but as always, it's spectacular. Don't miss the views of the city from the 3rd floor. Today I was there for the Legend of the Northern Lights Kansas City Symphony concert, with spectacular photos and video of Jupiter, the sun, and especially, the Aurora Borealis, all accompanied by the perfect music. The orchestra kicked it off with Richard Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra." Then the conductor reminded us of probably the first song we ever learned, and possibly the first time we ever looked up at the stars, with Mozart's Variations on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." The final piece devoted to the Aurora and the galaxies was John Williams' "Adventures on Earth," from the movie "ET." A perfect concert from beginning to end! Then the screen filled with red, and a giant picture of #15 Mahomes appeared as the musicians gave an orchestral salute to the Chiefs! As the crowd exited, you could see a sea of red, and fans filled with hope.

Everything about my experience at the Kauffman Center was lovely. From the time we entered, I felt the night would be grand. There were plenty of staff to ensure a smooth entry into the venue. They were along the way guiding the attendees from the garage upstairs through security and ensuring we knew the exact door to the theater that we needed to enter through. The ambiance was beautiful and relaxing. Seats couldn't have been any better. Gladys Knight's performance was the highlight that brought the entire evening together. I should definitely attend another event there, as I also saw Boys II Men in another theater at the Kauffman.

I went here with a friend to see the amazing Nutcracker! It really should be called The Sugar Plum Fairy but that's for a different review. We paid for valet but after looking around, we could have paid to park in the garage but I'm at the adult stage where I like valet and places that take reservations. When we got in, you walk through this security machine and then security checks your bag. Nothing out of the ordinary for events. The theater we were in was upstairs. It's beautiful here! I thought the theater itself would be larger but still, beautiful. The windows that are on the south side of the building let in perfect light. Almost too much depending on the time of day. The seating was comfortable and although we were in row FF, we still had a great view. Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and I can't wait to attend my next play/event there.

Since I wrote this review, we were able to see the Sunday matinee of our show. It was a little disappointing to have to change our sunday plans to go see the show, but it was incredible. The show was so beautiful and the architecture and interior of the Kauffman was incredible. It was such a great experience! I think this was handled incredibly well and with the seamless parking, we had a really wonderful experience.