DESCRIPTION: Provided as a gift to the children and families of Kansas City by Hallmark, Kaleidoscope is a free center for artistic exploration and creativity for children of all ages to nourish their artistic spirit. It’s a vivid, imaginative workshop where little artists use their imaginations to paint, discover, have fun and feel good about their own special ideas. Guests use materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes to dream up all kinds of colorful creations. Take your time to explore the whimsical space, make and create, then take home all your goodies to display your greatness.
ADDRESS: 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO
LOCATION: On the east side of the Crown Center Complex, one mile south of Downtown Kansas City. From Crown Center’s parking garage, 2450 Grand Blvd., take the elevator to the third level of the Crown Center Shops.
PHONE: 816-274-8300
WEBSITE: www.hallmarkkaleidoscope.com
HIGHLIGHTS: Creativity is king at Kaleidoscope. Popular activities include:
HOURS: Reopening fall 2021
ADMISSION: Free. Reservations required.
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: Approximately 200,000
HISTORY: Kaleidoscope was inspired by Don Hall, son of Hallmark’s founder J.C. Hall. In the 1960s, Don saw the joy his own children had when making art with leftover materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing processes and wanted to share that joy with others. His vision was to offer a place where children and families of Kansas City could explore and create. Kaleidoscope initially started as a traveling exhibit in 1969, before settling into the current location at Hallmark’s Crown Center in 1975. As part of the Hallmark family of brands, Crayola provides the art supplies in the studio. Kaleidoscope is for making memories while making art.
WHERE TO EAT: Kid-friendly eating options are plentiful inside Crown Center.
WHAT’S NEARBY: Kaleidoscope is located at Crown Center, which is also home to kid-friendly attractions LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Science City, located at Union Station, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial are just a few blocks away as well.
WHAT’S NEW: With new materials constantly available from Hallmark, Kaleidoscope is always offering fresh and exciting ways to let kids explore.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the MAX to the Crown Center stop.
PARKING: Parking in the Crown Center parking garage, 2450 Grand Boulevard, is free for the first three hours with validation.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Cheryl Williams, Kaleidoscope Supervisor, 816-274-3811 or cheryl.williams@hallmark.com