In 1995 Muriel Kauffman, civic leader and philanthropist, discussed her vision for a performing arts center with her family and the community. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will open in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, September 16 & 17, 2011. It will present a diverse range of artists and performances from around the world including classical, jazz, pop, ballet, contemporary dance, musicals, and comedy. The Center will be the performance home of the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Symphony, and the Lyric Opera.
Designed by architect Moshe Sofdie, the 285,000 Kauffman Center will feature a dramatic overarching shell with a glass roof and glass walls that will provide sweeping views of the Kansas City skyline.
The overall project totalled $413 million including $326 million for the performing arts center, a $47 million 1,000 car underground parking garage, and a $40 million endowment.
Pictures above are the Kauffman Center in its present construction status (3) and the finished structure (1).
