The Kansas City Symphony has announced plans for a new music venue in South Plaza. But not to worry: the Symphony will continue to call the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts home for many of its performances. The organization’s secondary concert hall will expand the orchestra’s offerings and welcome more touring artists to Kansas City.
Linda Gill Taylor, chair of the Kansas City Symphony’s board of directors, says the project will be transformative for the organization.
“The new venue grows what the Symphony brings to Kansas City and at the same time enables the Symphony to strengthen its core orchestral foundation at the Kauffman Center,” said Gill Taylor in a press release.
Designed by local firms Populous and McCownGordon, the 4,600 seat concert hall at 4901 Main Street is slated to open in 2028. Though the Symphony will own the building, Music and Event Management, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra) will oversee an annual lineup of over 100 events. Currently, the company manages six venues across Ohio.
Located just a short walk from streetcar and other transit stops, the project marks a significant step in the organization’s growth and is anticipated to welcome over 300,000 visitors each year. In addition to popular touring productions, the venue will host a couple dozen Symphony performances each year, including its beloved Film and Live Orchestra series—one of the organization’s best-selling offerings.
“This venue allows us to welcome more artists to Kansas City and ensures that the Symphony will continue serving this community for generations to come,” said Danny Beckley, president and CEO of the Kansas City Symphony, in a press release.
