"We proposed three 17-foot-high shuttlecock sculptures for the lawn, each in a different position. Although their placement appeared to be random, the shuttlecocks were actually located at strategic points that would bring the far reaches of the site together. A fourth shuttlecock, in an inverted position reminiscent of a tepee, "landed" on the other side of the museum.

"Instantly, a heated controversy arose over the suitability of sculptures based on such a mundane object as a shuttlecock for one of the city’s most prestigious sites. Defending the project, the museum's staff offered to give a course in art history, showing that common subjects have a long tradition, to members of the Parks and Recreation Department who had objected to the sculpture, but was rebuffed by the department's president," the official website says.

"The controversy was fanned by the city's newspaper, the Kansas City Star, with hostile editorials and cartoons. Donors to the project and the museum staff stood firm, however, and the Shuttlecocks were installed without incident."

"Across the expansive grounds of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, lie four large shuttlecocks. Looking like the remains of a giant’s game of badminton, the 18-foot displays were commissioned with funds gifted the museum from the Sosland family," the Atlas Obscura says.

"Created by the husband-and-wife team of Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, the aluminum and fiberglass pieces were installed over a five-day period in July 1994. Inspiration for the shuttlecocks came from a painting in the museum by Frederic Remington that featured Native Americans wearing feathered headdresses coupled with a satellite image of the museum grounds that resembled a grassy ball court.

"Today, three of the displays lie on the front/south side of the museum building and the fourth is on the back/north side. This arrangement was deliberately chosen to incorporate the building into the overall design as the “net” for this larger-than-life set of game pieces."

"It is great, but the museum is even better. Have an afternoon available to see everything in the museum. It is free entry, but they do take donations," the Roadside America says.

"We went to see these, and they're pretty awesome. My husband was upset that we paid $5 to park at the "free" art museum, so we decided to go in. It is a wonderful museum. Lots of great collections and pieces. Worth the trip!

"The Nelson-Atkins Museum has balls, er, birdies for this one. In a very daring move, they installed a number of monstrous badminton shuttlecocks on the museum grounds. Each "birdie" is eighteen feet tall and weighs two and a half tons. Critics hate them saying they are in bad taste. Bad taste, the perfect ingredient for a roadside attraction!"

"The World's Largest Shuttlecocks adorn the lawn of a typically austere Art Museum in Kansas City. In an attempt to bridge the gap between the perceived elitism of art museum and the general public, Claus Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen created this whimsical public artwork, transforming the site of the Nelson/Atkins Museum of Art," the World's Largest Things says.

"Four badminton birdies are scattered on the property, seemingly left by a couple of gentle giants in an afternoon of fun.

"The plaque states:” Shuttlecocks - A sculpture installation in 4 parts. Aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, urethane paint, 1994. Gift of the Sosland Family” Unfortunately, the museum doesn't give much more than that, so you'll have to find out more about the public reaction, installation process, and ideas behind the artwork on your own."

"In 1994 the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art commissioned a sculpture from Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. They built four giant birdies around the lawns of the museum, imagining the main building as the badminton net and the lawn as the playing field," the Weird Missouri says.

"Each shuttlecock is eighteen feet tall, weighs 5,500 pounds, and has a diameter of 16 feet. Each one is situated at a different angle. Three lie on one side of the building, and the beginning shuttlecock is at the front entrance.

"The birdies are in fairly stark contrast to much of the rest of the art, which involves art from all walks of life and cultures. The Museum itself is extremely pretty with some very unique architecture. Many different forms of exhibits are available, and it truly is a wonderful exhibit that if you're in the Kansas City area you should take a few hours to visit. Also it's free, with onsite parking only costing $5."

"The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an art museum in Kansas City, Missouri, known for its encyclopedic collection of art from nearly every continent and culture, and especially for its extensive collection of Asian art.

"In 2007, Time magazine ranked the museum's new Bloch Building number one on its list of "The 10 Best (New and Upcoming) Architectural Marvels" which considered candidates from around the globe.

"The museum is open five days a week: Monday from 10 am-5 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, open Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-9, Saturday and Sunday 10-5. To maintain social distancing in the galleries, visitors must reserve a timed admission ticket online or by phone. Admission is free." (Wikipedia)

"We are on a quest to view as many World's largest items as we can this summer. Our adventure brought us to KC this weekend and the Shuttlecocks did not disappoint!"

"I have a short time here in this beautiful state but I'm glad I got a chance to fit this in my schedule."

"Really nice and big art museum. Really enjoyed the photography display. There is a wide variety of styles, time periods, and countries' art on display. Worth the trip. Our teen kids got board quick, but both found things they did like on display."

"The staff is so friendly and helpful. I went with my 2 boys (3 & 8) and my in-laws. So many things to look at. Great sculptures outside which my kids loved. I appreciate that it’s free since I never know how long the kids will tolerate that environment."

"This museum has a great collections. The impressionists paintings are particularly amazing. You could spend hours there and still not see the half of it. The outdoor sculptures are fantastic. One of the best museums in the country. "

"The museums exhibits included extensive art work, artifacts and statues covering multiple centuries of work. There were also several sculptures and works of art on the grounds for touring outside. If you are in KC, consider spending several hours at this museum because you won't be disappointed."