Fall Festivals Open
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
4.8(5,435)4.8 out of 5 stars, 5435 reviews Kansas City, MO
About Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
A world-class performing arts venue renowned for its stunning architecture, exceptional acoustics, and family-friendly symphony events like movies played with live orchestral accompaniment.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for an engaging introduction to classical music through movie soundtracksArchitecture and design enthusiastsSpecial family night outsOlder children, teens, and adults who can appreciate orchestral music and sit through full-length performances
Why families love it
- Spectacular architecture and engineering with beautiful night views of the city
- Incredible sound quality and great views from almost any seat in the house
- Popular movie-concerts (like Home Alone and How to Train Your Dragon) where the KC Symphony plays the live score
- Free guided architectural tours
- Live symphony movie screenings
- Impeccable acoustics
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if you plan to walk to the venue due to the steep hill
- Opt for street parking at $0.25 per hour (up to 9pm) as a budget-friendly alternative to the $16 garage parking
- Book seats in the Mezzanine (e.g., Mezzanine RC) for a great balance of sound and sightlines
Good to know before you go
- Walking up the steep hill to the venue in uncomfortable shoes or high heels
- The venue is situated on a very steep hill, which can be physically demanding to walk up
- Value
- High value for world-class performances. Garage parking is $16, but street parking is extremely cheap at $0.25/hour until 9pm. Free tours are available for budget-friendly sightseeing.
- Accessibility
- The steep hill exterior may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues walking to the entrance
What parents say
"Overall: I didn't attend a show, because I came here to explore the architecture. This place is so beautifully designed. I did a free tour. Note for walkers: This place sits on a hill, a very steap one. Bring water and the right shoes."
a week ago
"This is our second time watching while the KC Symphony played all music along with the movie. BEAUTIFUL!! They are amazing! We have watched Home Alone and How to Train Your Dragon. Loved them both but How to Train Your Dragon was our favorite. You could sit just about anywhere and have a great view and sound. These seats were Door 4, Mezzanine RC, Row CC, Seats 801, 802."
a month ago
"My first visit to Kauffman was for Ben Folds with the KC Symphony Orchestra. As for the building: Incredible architecture, incredible sound quality, a highly successful feat of engineering all around. And the show was fantastic. Hoping to come to more events at the Kauffman."
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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