Eyeing the Extraordinary: A Selection of Masterworks in The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

We celebrate with profound gratitude the achievements of Marc Wilson during his 39 years at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Marc has led with wisdom, passion and drive, and under his inspirational leadership the Museum has been transformed into an institution universally acclaimed as world class.

An outstanding scholar of Chinese art, Marc also is distinguished by his astonishing breadth of knowledge of the whole spectrum of the visual arts and by his discerning eye for works of extraordinary aesthetic quality.

When asked how he would like his legacy as director to be remembered, Marc has often replied “what counts in a museum is above all the quality of the art that it houses.” Marc was persuaded to choose—from among the more than 15,000 works acquired during his directorship—a selection of his personal favorites.

These objects are displayed in the galleries in their usual locations and identified with an additional label.

Click here to download a list of the objects.

Chosen by Retiring Director Marc F. Wilson

Menefee D. & Mary Louise Blackwell Director and CEO, 1982-May 2010

Curator of Oriental Art, 1973-82; Associate Curator of Chinese Art, 1971-72