The Beautifully Restored Kansas City Museum At Corinthian Hall Was Once Owned By Philanthropist, Robert A. Long
A timeless piece of history
About two decades ago, I made and set up a wedding cake at the Kansas City Museum. It was a simple white-tiered cake with red rose petals that seemed to belong in the room alongside the elegant and historical background.
The Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall used to be a private family estate built in 1910 by Robert A. Long who was a lumber baron and civic leader. Its Beaux-Arts style architecture and Corinthian columns give a strong sense that you’re about to walk into history upon entry.
Robert Alexander Long
Long (b. Dec. 17, 1850, d. Mar. 15, 1934) is also another story in itself. He was born in Kentucky but spent most of his life in Kansas City. Long was a developer, investor, newspaper owner, and philanthropist. He also founded Longview, Washington, and Longville, Louisiana.
Long’s four-story estate was named Corinthian Hall because of its columns. Built on three acres, it was eventually donated by Long’s heirs in 1940 and would become a public museum. It cost about $1 million to construct which would be about $30,768,000 in today’s dollars.
