What began as a sketch on a cocktail napkin has become the premier performing arts venue in Kansas City — and an architectural icon that will forever change the city’s skyline. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts features dramatic arches, spacious and welcoming architecture and a spectacular glass lobby that provides sweeping views of Kansas City. Located in the Crossroads Arts District, just blocks from the Kansas City Power and Light District and the Sprint Center, the Kauffman Center is home to the Kansas City Ballet, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Symphony in addition to showcasing a wide variety of innovative programming, activities and live performances from around the world.
The Kauffman Center also has 10 unique spaces ideal for accommodating a wide assortment of private events, such as large weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, fundraisers, galas, dinners and pre-performance cocktail receptions.
A quality space and location can make an event uniquely memorable. Robert Hellweg, marketing director at Aristocrat Motors, said that “the Muriel Kauffman Theatre was a majestic setting for our holiday party. We invited over 200 of our employees and their families to watch an on-screen company video and then our group dined on stage with entertainment and live music. The grand theater stage was the perfect backdrop for our presentation and the whole event was magical!”
John Mulvihill, co-organizer and executive director of TEDxKC/VML noted, “The Kauffman Center has been an iconic setting to host TEDxKC the past five years. The venue is an incredibly strong draw to attract leading thinkers from around the world to participate in TEDxKC, with the opportunity to present to nearly 3,000 guests in Helzberg Hall and Muriel Kauffman Theatre. At the Kauffman Center, we’ve been able to create a stimulating environment not only for TED Talks, but also musical performances, artistic happenings and interactive experiences throughout Brandmeyer Great Hall and outside on the Arts District Terrace.”
Spaces available in the Kauffman Center are as varied as the events hosted there, and the events team at the Kauffman Center works with clients to tailor each event to create their own unique experience. “We held the Harriman-Jewell Series’ 50th Anniversary Gala at the Kauffman Center in February 2015. Celebrating with donors, patrons and friends, Brandmeyer Great Hall provided a gorgeous setting for our brunch prior to a once-in-a-lifetime duo recital of Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego Flórez in Helzberg Hall. The event was unforgettable!” said Eryn Bates, director of development for the Harriman-Jewell Series.
There are several spaces at the Kauffman Center that can be rented for unique private events:
- BRANDMEYER GREAT HALL – features a stunning view of the Kansas City skyline and can accommodate larger groups of up to 1,000 guests for receptions, weddings and corporate events.
- MURIEL KAUFFMAN THEATRE – 1,800-seat performance theater inspired by the great opera houses of Europe. Ideal for hosting a large meeting, lecture or an intimate reception on stage.
- HELZBERG HALL – 1,600-seat performance hall featuring one of the finest concert hall organs in the country. It’s a unique and ideal setting for meetings, presentations, performances, receptions and more.
- THE ARTS DISTRICT TERRACE – located on the lawn outside the majestic glass lobby, the Arts District Terrace can accommodate large groups of varying sizes and offers a spectacular view of the city.
- FOUNDERS’ LOUNGE – located just off the Plaza lobby, all Kauffman Center guests can enjoy a cocktail or dinner prior to a performance in this intimate space, or it can be rented for private dinners, lunches, meetings or cocktail parties for 20 to 125 guests.
- BALCONIES – located under the glass curtain wall, each upper floor balcony provides a picturesque setting for an event for 30 to 250 guests.
- RECEPTION SUITES – the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Reception Suite and the Sprint Reception Suite are private spaces, each well-suited to cocktail parties and meetings for 40 to 80 guests.
- THE MEET AND GREET ROOM – located between the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall, this more intimate space allows easy access to both performance halls and encourages mingling among 20 to 50 guests.
Tours may also be incorporated into an event. “The Kauffman Center Founders’ Lounge was a unique place to host our employee luncheon and team building event this year. After lunch, the Kauffman staff led our group on an impressive private tour, educating us about the origins and architecture of this Kansas City icon!” said Kellie Cram, Burns & McDonnell.
For more information or to schedule a private event, contact events@kauffmancenter.org or call 816-994-7213. The Kauffman Center event team will identify the ideal space and help you build an experience to wow your guests!
–Megan Felling
