The Arabia Steamboat Museum, a treasure trove of maritime history in Kansas City.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum, a beloved institution in Kansas City, is searching for a new location as its lease expires in November 2026. With the current owner indicating they won’t renew the lease, discussions have intensified about the museum’s future. A competing proposal from Saint Charles, Missouri, aims to build a new facility to house the museum, leading to mixed feelings among locals about its potential relocation. As proposals are considered, the community reflects on the significance of this historical treasure and its lasting impact.
Kansas City, a hub of vibrant history and culture, is on the brink of facing some changes as the beloved Arabia Steamboat Museum looks for a new home. This cherished museum has held a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike for over 30 years, but with the looming expiration of its lease, the future of the museum hangs in the balance.
The museum, nestled in the bustling River Market area, is under a lease that will officially come to an end on November 13, 2026. The owner has signaled a clear intention not to renew, which has left museum staff and supporters in a state of uncertainty about what lies ahead. As the clock ticks down, discussions about the museum’s future are heating up.
For those who may not know, the museum houses artifacts from the Steamboat Arabia, a vessel that met its fate in the Missouri River back in 1856 while on a mission to deliver a staggering 200 tons of cargo. The story of the Arabia is as fascinating as it is tragic, and its artifacts have been on display in the museum since 1991, drawing crowds eager to learn about this pivotal piece of American maritime history.
The steamboat’s wreck was discovered in 1988 after decades of being lost to time. A dedicated team led by Bob and David Hawley unearthed the treasure trove in a cornfield, just six miles west of Kansas City. Since its inception, the museum has beckoned visitors to step back in time and explore the relics that tell the tale of life on the river more than a century ago.
Back in 2017, talks about expanding the museum have been ongoing. However, progress on the project has hit a standstill as of January 2024, leaving many to wonder about the museum’s fate in Kansas City. Competing interests from nearby towns, especially Saint Charles, Missouri, are now emerging as strong contenders eager to welcome the museum within their own borders.
The Mayor of Saint Charles, Dan Borgmeyer, has been tirelessly pursuing the idea of relocating the museum for the past five years. His ambitious project aims to build a 100,000-square-foot facility called the Steamboat Treasures Museum of America. This exciting venture is envisioned to include the Arabia Steamboat Museum and will be developed through a public-private partnership, emphasizing a collaborative effort to preserve this important piece of history.
Meanwhile, decisions about the current museum site are heating up. Several proposals for potential repurposing have emerged, including plans for a new hotel, street-level retail space, and even underground parking. As the City Market Oversight Committee invites proposals until January 24, 2025, there’s certainly plenty for Kansas City residents to ponder. A recommendation from the committee is expected by February 7, 2025.
While many point out the opportunities that come with change, feelings towards relocating the Arabia Steamboat Museum are mixed. Mayor Quinton Lucas has expressed a hope that the museum remains in the city but recognizes the importance of striking a responsible deal that benefits taxpayers. On the flip side, museum manager Matt Hawley reflects the sentiment of many—Kansas City has been the museum’s home for three decades, breathing life into its storied presence.
As the countdown begins towards the lease expiration and new proposals take shape, the future of the Arabia Steamboat Museum remains precarious. Whether it will stay in Kansas City or embark on a new journey to Saint Charles, one thing is certain—the legacy of the Steamboat Arabia and its treasures will continue to leave an indelible mark on the community, wherever it may end up.
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