DESCRIPTION: The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, located on the Johnson County Community College campus, is the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region. The museum features major exhibitions of internationally, nationally and regionally renowned artists.
ADDRESS: 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kan. 66210
LOCATION: 20 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas City
PHONE: 913-469-8500
WEB SITE: www.nermanmuseum.org
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook-Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Twitter-@NermanMuseum, Instagram-nermanmuseum
HIGHLIGHTS:
HOURS: Tues., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., noon-5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and all JCCC holidays. The café is closed Sundays and Mondays.
ADMISSION: Free
HISTORY: In 2003, contemporary art collectors Jerry and Margaret Nerman, pledged $1.5 million (museum naming opportunity) to assist in funding the construction of a contemporary art museum on the campus of JCCC.
The construction of the approximately $15-million Nerman Museum was realized through Johnson County Community College funding, with support from several benefactors throughout the area.
The elegant, minimalist building—which opened to the public in October 2007—was designed by architect Kyu Sung Woo and is clad in Kansas limestone. Throughout the museum’s two levels are nine expansive galleries for temporary exhibitions as well as the permanent collection. Additionally, the museum houses the 200 seat Hudson Auditorium, Café Tempo, two classrooms, a Museum Store, a New Media Gallery, and art storage and preparation spaces. The museum boasts two lobbies including the impressive Cantilever Entrance, which features a dazzling 60,000 bulb white LED installation by artist Leo Villareal, and the glass and metal Atrium Lobby.
WHERE TO GET LUNCH: Café Tempo, located within the museum, features seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and pasta.
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES: Contemporary Creations classes for children ages 8-11 combine interactive tours with studio projects. A wide array of class topics will be featured on Saturdays throughout the academic year and weekdays in the summer. Go to http://www.jccc.edu/community-resources/youth-programs/ for class schedules and registration information.
WHAT’S NEARBY: The Wonderscope Children’s Museum and the Johnson County Museum of History are both located in nearby Shawnee, Kan. Oak Park Mall, Town Center Plaza and the Overland Park Convention Center are also a short drive away.
DID YOU KNOW: In April 2006, Public Art Review magazine named JCCC as one of the top 10 university/college campuses for public art in America.
DON’T FORGET: Many works of art are located outdoors and in buildings throughout the JCCC campus in collection focus areas. Pick up a free visitor orientation guide at the museum’s information desk for maps and locations.
GROUP TOURS: Groups of 10 or more may request a docent-led or self-guided tour. Make your tour request three weeks in advance online through the museum’s website, here.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take The Jo to the JCCC stop.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From the north: Take I-35 South to I-435 East (exit 222A). Continue on I-435 East to Quivira Road (exit 82). Turn right at Quivira Road. The entrance to the JCCC campus is on the right.
From the south: Take I-35 North to I-435 East (exit 222A). Continue on I-435 East to Quivira Road (exit 82). Turn right at Quivira Road. The entrance to the JCCC campus is on the right.
From the east: Take I-70 West to I-435 West (exit 8A). Continue on I-435 West to Quivira Road (exit 82). Turn left at Quivira Road. The entrance to the JCCC campus is on the right.
From the west: Take I-70 East to I-435 South (exit 411A). Continue on I-435 South to Quivira Road (exit 82). Turn right at Quivira Road. The entrance to the JCCC campus is on the right.
PARKING: The museum has limited designated parking. Free parking is also available in all JCCC campus lots.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Bruce Hartman, executive director, 913-469-8500 or bhartman@jccc.edu.
