Kauffman Center

5 stars doesn’t even do this incredible venue justice. Maybe 100 stars. But considering that it attracts so much world class talent, and it has impressed every single person to whom I’ve ever shown it, even my snobby east coast friends haha!, that’s saying something.
Kauffman is home base for, to name the ones I can think of off the top of my head, the KC Symphony, KC Chorus, Lyric Opera, KC Jazz Orchestra, and KC Ballet, but shows itself off to lots of different performers and fans with Broadway shows, solo classical concerts, singers, recitals, dance tours, speakers, and many many more. I once went to a concert of just bells and chimes here, as well as an all-​tuba Christmas celebration. It was, um, interesting– but at least the venue was beautiful!
It’s also popular for corporate get togethers– because who wouldn’t want to get together here?! The acoustics are literally perfect, state of the art in the industry, designed by the famous acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota (he did, among others, Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.) The architecture, by the legendary Moshe Safdie (google him– his work is so breathtaking) is absolutely STUNNING (think The Guggenheim meets Sydney Opera House with a twist all its own.)
Other things I love and appreciate about Kauffman that are sadly lacking in many other venues around the world:
* gift shop with tons of merchandise sure to please KC visitors and locals– books, clothing, ornaments, toys… Last time I was in they had the coolest reversible music themed wrapping paper
* plenty of restrooms, conveniently located on all levels
* the staff is INCREDIBLE!!! There are volunteers literally everywhere you look to help with directions, questions, etc. Never have I had someone who wasn’t absolutely super polite and helpful– it’s a joy to be in their presence
* snack bars located in several different areas. They feature a full bar, a large assortment of bottled waters, juices, and soft drinks, plus assorted munchies like cookies, nuts, & gummy bears– it’s not cheap but it’s great for intermission with slightly stir crazy children! You can also pre-​order your drinks and treats so you’ll have more time to enjoy them during intermission & not have to wait in line
* my cousin has significant hearing loss and he was very impressed with the quality of the listening devices available at no charge here to enhance the music experience for him
* parking is an absolute breeze. It’s usually around $ 8 to park underground, but if you have season tickets to anything there’s a parking pass included in your package deal. There are also several free spots on the streets surrounding, but of course they fill up fast
Oh there’s probably so much more I’m missing, but it’s just the most beautiful space. You have to experience it for yourself– Even if you don’t go for a show, you can schedule a free tour!
Kansas City is so lucky to have The Kauffman Center! It’s a must-​see, must-​listen, must-​visit, must-​experience, will-​definitely-​love place!

The moment you see the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts looming prominently on the horizon of the Kansas City skyline you know you are in for something special. From the rolling grassy knoll that covers the terraced parking garage (which in itself is an artistic landmark with a multi-​story interactive art installation in it’s below grade skylit stairwell) to the spectacular sloping glass encased atrium with spiraling staircases ascending upward, the Kauffman Center stands in an elite class of facilities whose exterior matches the breathtaking interior combined with superior «you could hear a pin drop» acoustics. I have traveled the world and visited many wonderful performance halls but attention to every detail makes the Kauffman my personal favorite and I’m proud to have it here in my hometown.

Always an amazing experience. Architecture alone is worth the trip. Show has not started, but know the evening will be great.
If you are in kc, definitely visit this gem.

Truly a gem that adds a ton of cultural event to the KC calendar. The beautiful design holds an amazing venue for symphony, speakers, and plays along with space for private events. We have been in Helzberg Hall for symphony performances and they truly rival other world-​class performance halls that I have visits including the Vienna Opera House. I love the unique range of events including the Movies to the Symphony, with favorite films like Fantasia set to symphony music. I also really enjoy the National Geographic series which highlights a ton of amazing speakers. You can basically go to the Kauffman website and find some event that will suit anyone’s interests.

There is no better place to enjoy a concert, especially the KC Symphony. The building itself, and both performance venues are stunning and visually exciting, inside and out, and the acoustics are amazing. I greatly appreciate that free performances by the Symphony are available here several times a year at their Happy Hour Concert series, thus making these two Kansas City treasures (the facility and the orchestra) available to all income levels (a special thank you to the Helzberg family for their contributions that help make this possible).

Kauffman Center and its architecture, just breath taking. It truly deserves a five star review. The location is right in the Crossroads with a beautiful view of KC. There is convenient parking within the center as well as neighboring street parking.
The shows have a lot of variety, from dance company performances to famous musicals (both in different genres to appeal to the general public). In my two occasion that I have visited the Kauffman I have left happy with my experience. The first time I attended I was in the higher seating portion but I had no trouble with the sound or the view. Both occasions I attended was for events that I had received tickets for free, so I can’t comment on the price factor for events.
I encourage anyone new to the area, or even locals, to check out some of their events. They actually do offer shows free to the public. It is great to have a center like the Kauffman in a state in the middle of the country. While KC is known for the Royals and Sporting, it has just as much to offer to the performing arts with the Kauffman Center.

A world-​class venue that deserves all of the raves it receives. Its unique silhouette became a part of the Kansas City skyline so quickly, it’s sometimes hard to remember it’s only been here a few years. Helzberg Hall, home of the Kansas City Symphony, is small enough to feel intimate (1,600 seats) and boasts some of the best acoustics I’ve heard. The whole venue is gorgeous, inside and out, and parking was surprisingly hassle-​free. Every one of the staff with whom I have interacted was friendly and helpful. As a plus, the lobby bars pour pretty decent wines, and are reasonably priced. Looking forward to seeing many more shows at this lovely concert hall.

I haven’t been to a show here yet, but after the Unilocal tour I know I have to come back 10 times because it looks so amazing I don’t know if watching only one show will offer the full effect of all the auditory improvements and acoustics. Not only is the center well thought out but it’s beautiful from the outside and inside.
There are 3 main halls where shows can be presented, each with their own theme and purpose, all in one strategically designed building. They can have several thousand of people at one time.
Glass wall has something in it to cut down on UV rays. Fritting black dots act like sunglasses. Also have sails they can pull down shade. Idea came from Julia Kauffman who saw it in Canada.
I especially am fascinated by the room that showcases musicals because each seat has a warmer or cooler underneath for the varying weather and temperature control. In addition in front of the seat is a screen which will basically be subtitles for the show you watch which is amazing that they have this now, since I used to have trouble understanding or hearing the show at other theaters.
Murial theathre. 1800 seats. Presccennial stage. 5000 Sq ft with 56 trap doors. 72 ft fly tower
Box seats only place where you can drink and they sometimes take your order before a show.
Air under the seats but you don’t feel it.
Gives effect of crystal chandelier. Mylar balloons and led lights.
Acoustics for the feeling of the show.
Opera.
Name on the seats come from donations in a seat naming campaign.
Heltzberg hall. The orchestra room had large pipes behind the wall, and if there was no chorus can get a seat behind the orchestra. Home of KC Symphony
Heltzberg auditorium is for depth of sound.
4 levels of riser can come up.
Smallest pipe is size if pencil and largest is about 35 ft tall and 1000 lb
When I get the opportunity to experience the center first hand in a show I know I won’t be disappointed. This is a must go place in Kansas City.

Beautiful building, inside and out. Have enjoyed all the performances I’ve been to here. The main thing I don’t like is the staircase is wayyyy too small for the crowd of people leaving at once after a show is over. If there was some emergency, well I don’t even try to think about that when I’m there. Wait for elevator is really long too (I had a bad cold last time I went).
Otherwise it’s a great venue and I’m so glad kc has it!
PS no drinks in theater allowed.

Amazing venue! The tour is absolutely worth doing and it is a breathtaking place to host a private event. Stunning views of the city (bring your sunglasses during the day as its bright in the sun!)
I am so looking forward to attending a performance here.

Kauffman Center is one of those layup, five star reviews. How could someone not love this building? I’m seriously asking, that’s not a rhetorical question! So, to start breaking down what I love about it:
Amazing performances
Amazing acoustics
Amazing convenience and parking
Amazing location
Amazing addition to the skyline
Amazing views from inside and out
The Kauffman Center helps solidify the cultural aspect of Kansas City to the rest of the country. While KC is most definitely a sports town and a food town, I don’t know if a lot of people really associate the middle of the country with additional arts and culture, but that perception is slowly changing.
The architect, Moshe Safdie, wanted the building facing the artsy Crossroads district, reinforcing the growing scene in KC. The whole interior of this building lacks rigidity and instead flows nicely.
Every detail is thought out, from the air cooled (or heated) floors, to each acoustically sound auditorium.
It is really tough to imagine what the KC skyline looked like before the Kauffman Center was a part of it, but I think it symbolizes so much about the resurgence of KC and the multitude of offers there are here.

I don’t know how you post a bad review about this place. I took the tour (they do $ 5 guided tours– check the websites for times/​dates) and it was incredibly comprehensive and really opened my eyes to what a jewel this city has acquired. This place made national news when it opened. The acoustics are also world renowned, and it is said that when artists perform here, it is commonplace for them to jam acoustically for a bit before their performance because they’ve heard so much greatness about the space. Everything from the boat like interior of Helzberg Hall to the sweeping opera boxes in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre is artfully designed for the best audience experience humanly possible. I have seen symphony performances, operas and ballets in this space and have never come away underwhelmed.
As for particulars, for those who haven’t been here, they do have several bars with prices comparable to other venues. I love that they have an entire underground parking garage with it’s own art (lights and music in a parking garage. Seriously.) And I love that if you don’t want to pay for the garage, there’s almost always street parking in the nearby crossroads that only makes you walk a few blocks away. The inside is incredibly easy to maneuver and the people who work there have always been very friendly and helpful (this coming from a woman who gets lost easily!) I love that every performance I’ve been here, there is a very eclectic mix of genteel older women, men in suits and sports jackets and college students with dark skinny jeans and shoulder bags. Everyone is welcome in this incredible space and I love it.

First time I’ve ever seen a show here and it was fabulous! Mary Chapin Carpenter and the Kansas City Symphony sounded so well together. We were in the choral loft and were able to see every move of every musician. We were so close we could read the notes on the paper! Parking in the garage was a pain to get out of, so don’t plan anything too soon after the show is over. Friends parked on the street in front of Webster House restaurant and had no issues with traffic.

Amazing and beautiful! Went and saw the performance of Kalmar Conducts Dvorak and Beethoven this evening. It was a jaw dropping first experience. Everywhere you look is something new and the structure is beautiful. Kuddos to the volunteer staff as well; Chuck M. was attentive and full of knowledge to make the evening even more enjoyable. We will certainly be back to attend more events.

I love Kauffman Center. It is such a fabulous place to see shows.
The architectural addition to possibly the best skyline in the country is perfect. Whether you are viewing it from a distance or nearby, you will be in awe of the beauty.
That beauty is not lost when you go inside. A wall of windows offering a great view always gets me. Inside the auditoriums you will find comfortable seating with every seat offering a great view of the stage. The shimmering design borders between modern elegance and 70’s disco-​esque.
Once the performance begins you forget about the amazing design and you are immediately amazed by the quality of sound. The building was created to emphasis the sound in performances from musicals to the symphony. And it is just amazing. This is easily one of my favorite venues.
Now if they would bring Bette to town!!!

I have been dozens of times for a variety of events since it opened in September 2011 and have enjoyed myself every single time. When I am there I look around and think, «I am one lucky girl to live so close to this beautiful building and be able to come here several times a year.» Based on the reviews, I am not the only one to think so. You can schedule a tour to get a little more information on the construction of the building, but the tours fill up fast so plan ahead. If you live here, check the calendar and take your out of town guests to an event here. They’ve now started serving catered dinners before selected shows.

I am constantly amazed with every visit to the Kauffman Center — how lucky we are to have this gem right here in Kansas City. We saw the Broadway show Chicago on a Saturday evening and were awed not just by the performance itself, but even more so by the beautiful theater. We had parked near a downtown restaurant and walked to the theater after dinner. How fun that downtown Kansas City is so walkable! We were caught by surprise when it was raining when we came out. It was a pleasant surprise to have cabs waiting at the front door to whisk us back to our car. Our only disappointment was the congestion to leave the theater as both the theater and the symphony ended at the same time. It surely seems like a hazardous exit plan!

The Kauffman Center is hands down one of the very finest event venues in North America. Period.
The seating is world class, the acoustics in both auditoriums spectacular, the architecture and the view of the city is beyond description and takes your breath away at night looking to the South. Literally a change that has elevated the arts in Kansas City.
But wait, it’s so good even the parking is convenient and works better than you expect. Who saw that coming?
A true joy to attend an event here. Kansas City, pinch yourself. It’s true, and it’s ours. A space for the city to truly be proud of for a very long, long time.

A beautiful venue! I’ll be first to admit that we aren’t your typical ballet/​symphony crowd, but I have always wanted to go. We recently took advantage of the Kansas City Symphony’s collaboration with Ben Folds to check the place out with something that we were really interested in. Our seats were in the Mezzanine which is on the sides of the stage, but I think we had nearly the best views in the house. From our spots we are close to the orchestra, but raised so we can see everything around us. The sound was beautiful, the design was fantastic and our seats were comfortable and we lucked out with seats on the farthest end so there was no one in front of us. My only complaint is that when the director spoke at the beginning of the show to introduce it, we could not understand/​hear him at all. The sound was only projected forwards and since we were on the side it sounded garbled and distorted. We had no issues during the performance though.
Parking was easy-​peasy with $ 7 for the underground parking garage. It also wasn’t nearly the hassle I expected to get out. There is a bar in the lobby, but no drinks are allowed inside the hall, so chug chug chug if you buy something :)
I will definitely return to the Kauffman Center… now just to find something the husband will tolerate :)

Went to the Kaufman Center for a Happy Hour concert tonight. Heard Schubert String Quartet No. 12 in C Minor, and Mozart’s Quintet in E-​flat Major for Horn and Strings and Mozart Quintet in A Major for clarinet and Strings.
It was a free concert lasting about an hour and a half. It was in Helzberg hall. i’d never been to the Kaufman Center, and it’s wonderful that they have these free concerts.
The parking, only $ 7. We had handicapped parking, which was right next to the door. An employee was right at the elevator, to scan our tickets, and directed us where to go. We went up the escalator, and an employee, several, were waiting at the top, again, directing us.
There’s a wine drinking area, and a gift shop. The Helzberg Hall is right next to the gift shop. We were lucky and got seats in the Parterre section.
The sound reminded me of a perfect digitally mastered recording when I closed my eyes. It was dead on.
The only complaint I have is I had a hard time hearing the musicians announce the classical pieces, and the stories behind the composers, which I already knew anyway, and that’s not a big deal. Kaufman Center does it well, nearly to perfection… pretty cool building, too, it’s the only tornado proof building in Kansas City.