If you're a fan of Thomas Hart or just interested in history, you will enjoy seeing and touring the Thomas Hart Benton Home in Kansas City, MO. Thomas Hart Benton, born in 1889 in Neosho, Missouri, was a famous artist that displayed in interpretation of life in many ways. He was a famous lecturer, writer, sculptor and excellent painter. One of his most famous works was a mural called "A Social History of the State of Missouri". So popular was this mural that that state Capitol has it on display in its House Lounge.
Benton had a very full life as an artist, Navy man and teacher before his death in 1975. Since that time, his Victorian style home, set on 32 acres, has been barely touched. Many of Benton's sculptures and paintings are on display in his two-and-a-half story home, the site of many tours. Half of his home was his studio and it is still as he left it with the paints, cans of paintbrushes and canvas just waiting for some piece of brilliant art to be completed.
Tour guides are now giving guided tours of his home, called Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. The tours last from 45 to 60 minutes and include discussions of Benton's life, his art and aspects of his home. Anyone interested in more detailed and specific tours can call to schedule them and they will be arranged.
The tours include the first and second floor of the home as well as the inside of his studio. There are stairs going from the first and second floor, but photographs, audio tapes, descriptive booklets and text is available for handicapped individuals unable to take the stairs.
Because the home is located in a residential district, the only parking available is on the side street. The cost of the tour is very reasonable at $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for children 6-12 and under 6 being free.
