Renovations to art museum in Kansas City go on despite cuts

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is unveiling the first half of a $17.2 million improvement project this month, despite recent staff and program cuts.

The museum in Kansas City announced a 10-percent reduction in operating costs three months ago. It included staff cuts and the cancellation of a major special exhibit set for September.

But now, the museum is primed to show off its pricey redo, which includes new galleries for the American and American Indian collections.

Museum director Marc Wilson says funds for the new construction were donated long before the cuts.

Starting Wednesday, the public can view the completed American galleries. The American Indian galleries will open in November.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com