The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the crown jewel of Kansas City and one of the finest museums in the nation. Its encyclopaedic collection offers visitors a look at some of the greatest artistic achievements of mankind, representing cultures from around the world, from ancient to contemporary times. The construction of the Bloch Building represents one part of a total transformation of the Nelson-Atkins. This book is intended to celebrate this moment in the museum's history, with a look at how the institution arrived at this period of change. Sketches, photographs and images of artwork often tell the story better than words, and the museum is indebted to the photographers who spent time capturing the many moods and impressions of the Bloch Building.