Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Parking Garage

The parking garage at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was added to the museum’s campus as part of its 2007 expansion. The new garage is situated underground and supports open space above for the museum entrances and the sculpture One Sun / 34 Moons by artist Walter De Maria, which includes 34 circular skylights that bring light to the parking below. The garage is formed from continuous waves made of independent “Wave T’s,” 12ft wide and 60ft long. The Wave T’s are prestressed, precast concrete beams with hollow centers. Each Wave T is independently supported on columns so that there are no cross girders to interfere with the continuity of the corrugated space.