Patrick
Kansas City residents and tourists have just one more year to experience one of the city’s most distinctive historical attractions.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum, located in the River Market district, has officially confirmed that it will permanently close in November 2026.
The announcement came on Thursday—marking the museum’s 34th anniversary—through a public statement and accompanying video.
A Beloved Attraction With a Rich Past
Opened in 1991, the museum has spent more than three decades welcoming visitors from across the country. It showcases an extraordinary collection of artifacts recovered from the Steamboat Arabia, which tragically sank in 1856 near Kansas City.
The treasure trove of objects on display was unearthed in 1988 after a four-and-a-half-month excavation led by Bob Hawley, his sons David and Greg Hawley, and family friends Jerry Mackey and David Luttrell. These artifacts offer a rare look into life and river trade during the mid-19th century.
Uncertain Future for the Arabia Collection
The long-term fate of the museum’s vast collection has remained uncertain for years. The owners have considered relocating the exhibition to a new site, but with the current lease nearing expiration, no confirmed plan for a move has been finalized.
According to the museum’s announcement, “We hope to have a new home for the Arabia collection, but nothing is guaranteed — except this final year.” The statement also encouraged guests to visit while they still can, whether it’s their first visit or their 50th.
Visiting the Museum Before It Closes
The Steamboat Arabia Museum, located at 400 Grand Boulevard, remains open to the public until the end of its final operational year. Current hours are:
- Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic galleries before the museum closes permanently.
The upcoming closure of the Arabia Steamboat Museum marks the end of an important chapter in Kansas City’s cultural and historical landscape.
With its unmatched collection of mid-19th-century artifacts and decades of educational contributions, the museum leaves behind a legacy that has captivated millions.
Whether the collection will find a new home remains uncertain, making this final year a meaningful opportunity for residents and tourists to experience a rare piece of American history before it is gone.