I wasnt convinced on going to the Hallmark Visitors Center while in town but Im really glad I did. Theres a ton of history and a fun little gift shop.

Only the Best Will Do-As I continue to discover the world around me during the Big birthday year, I took a trip in my own backyard. I decided to find out more about the greeting card giant based in Kansas City.In 1910, a young entrepreneur by the name of Joyce Clyde Hall arrived by train, with two shoe boxes of postcards under his arm and little money in his pocket. The local YMCA became his home and office as he set out to make his dream come true.In January, 1915 with his brother Rollie at his side, the company, Halls Brothers was formed. But in the same year, a fire destroyed the office and inventory leaving only a salvageable safe and the brothers in debt. The devastation didn’t stop them but pushed the brothers forward as they purchased printing presses to create Valentines and Christmas cards to offer a public that desired more privacy in their correspondence. From the ashes, an idea for creating cards was born.It’s fun information like this that you’ll learn during your time at the Hallmark Visitor Center.You’ll also see the following:Displays that show the timeline of the company’s birth.How J.C. Hall was the first to design such things as card display cabinets and in 1924 the first cards with sound.How the Peanuts became a part of Hallmark cards in the 1960’s.You’ll see Christmas tree displays.Watch a bow being made.My favorites were the showcases of Santa Claus tree decorations and the history behind the creators of some of our favorite Hallmark ornaments.Overall: The self-guided tour is truly remarkable and rich in history. The best part of all, it’s free.

Fun to look at the History of Hallmark. Was not aware of all that they had done, both in the industry and for Kansas City. Fun for kids and adults. Visitor center has 14 minute video as well as many things to look at and even some activities for Kids. The automatic bow making machine was interesting and you get to take home the little wrapping bow that it makes for you. A couple of selfie locations as well.

Its free, so worth a stop if youre in the area looking for something to do. The best part is that you can get free tickets for your kids to go to the Kaleidoscope, their hands on kid zone. You have to sign up for a time slot because only a certain number of people can be in each group. This way all the kids get a chance to do everything. Other things to see at the visitors center are sample movie scripts, cards, etc. Theres not a lot to do at the actual visitors center part, but its free and will give you something to do.

Visitor center is just a pitstop,there are awesome places next to it for kids including crown center shopping mall, kaleidoscope, sealife and lego. All are walkable from visitor center.

Love it. Every trip.os lole the first

What a great place to visit! A must when coming to Kansas City! I went back the next day to kill time, waiting for other things to open. I saw even more the second time around! I liked Hallmark before; now I love Hallmark! When you care enough to send the very best!

Excellent. take everyone i know here. the bow making button gives me reason to live.

A Free Kansas City favorite! Enjoy a walk through memory lane with Hallmark cards. Explore the various products and see how the company looks across the globe in a fun interactive setting.

Well worth the visit! The employees were so friendly, helpful and open to sharing about the current and history of Hallmark. A Hallmark artist was there and interacting with the visitors; we got to watch her work, ask her questions and listen to how the products are created from an artists perspective! The entire tour was FREE. Amazing experience. Definitely a 5 star day

Interesting walk through the history of Hallmark. Many exhibits reminded me of cards from my childhood.

I love the Hallmark Visitors Center. Theres a lot of history there, fun activities and everyones friendly. If youve been been, I strongly suggest you to go. You wont be sorry.

The staff was kind and helpful. We spent an hour here wandering through. Free postcard as you exit

Crown Center is lovely, fountains, music venue, seating available. Sun and shade. Nicely set up. We attended the Crown Center Antique Show, it was organized to a T.

Staff at crown center was extremely rude when we visited for the Clifford exhibit, not to mention there was a line of people waiting to use the bathrooms which were very unkept. Most of the food places were out of food too. I havent been to Crown Center since I was a kid but I will no longer ever go down there for any reason, gets worse every time I go downtown to do fun stuff

A seniorly employee at the front desk was unbelievably unfriendly & rude yesterday. Definitely not very welcoming. Perhaps Hallmark Visitors Center could find someone who likes visitors. There is a beautiful younger woman who is delightful & the stylish lady with red glasses was kind. But the other woman killed the experience. She clearly dislikes children and perhaps mothers. We were here a couple of years ago and were treated rudely at the front desk. Polite young children on a field trip were lined up quietly. The desk ladies that day were mean & asked the quiet students to clear away from the front desk. I explained that they were only lined up to say thank you for the bows & the visit. The “welcomer” said she would rather us leave and didn’t want children near her desk (which is the welcome counter). I don’t know if this is the same lady who was rude both times, but the visitors center definitely was unwelcoming on both days. Greeters & welcomes should be welcoming. Visitors centers shouldn’t dislike guests. I’m forever ruined on the slogan “when you care enough to send the very best”. Care & best we’re definitely not part of our Hallmark Visitors Center experience. An older couple said our students were delightful and very well behaved. Another lady said that the woman at the front desk clearly was in the wrong job & had been rude to her, too. I know she’s unhappy and I truly wish her the best, but must she make visitors feel so miserable?

Whats not to love about the best cards in the world? Enjoyed learning more about how Hallmark came to be.

Fun place to go for kids!! Loved this place! Friendly staff, good environment, and a great experience!!! Thank you!!

Great place to take the kids and grand kids! Christmas is everywhere!

Great place to visit, alot to see

Well... Its free (:Its and good place to wait until Kaleidoscope is open.

I cant believe this place is free. It was so much fun to learn the history of hallmark. I strongly recommend to watch the video, I usually dont like them but this one is definitely intriguing.

Nice place to visit. It shows you how the greeting cards have evolved through the years. From the receptionist to the girl in the shop, the are very nice. I almost forgot to mention, its free!

Such a wonderful place to learn about Hallmark. Staff is very friendly. Got a complimentary post card when we left.

I learned so much from walking through this little center. It is so informative and puts everything into perspective. I not only learned about Hallmark but I also learned some life lessons. I think the Hallmark center is great for all ages and has something for everyone to enjoy!

My kids loved the kaleidoscope kiddies group

Very educational

Beautiful place to take kids and let them explore endless possibilities.

This place adds a very unique take on the culture and history of this famous card company!

Very informative and educational gives a lot of history of the bysiness

This is a great place to go learn about the history of one of kansas citys largest and best know employers.

With a small visitors center, covered parking, and easy access to the downtown Kansas City area, this is a quick stop for travelers. We probably spent 45 minutes in here before close checking out the memorabilia--especially the historical Christmas displays. Be sure to check out the bow-making machine and take one home for yourself!

If you like Hallmark products youll love it. Also next to crown center has ice skating and shopping.

Lots of things to look at. The staff is super nice and we had lots of fun at kaleidoscope

We love stopping by here every year!

Very friendly staff, interesting displays, and a whole lot of history. You can even hold an Emmy! My only downside is that the museum isn’t very big, nor is the gift shop, but you get complimentary post cards!

Neat littlenself guided tour, shows off a lot of history and art

Great fun for kids. A little hectic and hard to keep track of them.

Fun for kids but not much to do as an adult. But nevertheless still a cool place to visit

It takes me back in time. Nostalgic and sentimental.

Small but a fun experience. SUPER friendly staff. Took about 45 minutes from start to finish if you include the film.

Great place for kids.. family friendly

It is free to tour this almost historic place. We usually go through before visiting kaleidoscope. The children love the bow making machine. We have had silly pictures where hats appear on the heads of people in your group. It doesnt take a long time to tour, but the history is fun.

Signed up for free card Fridays and rewards program.

If you like gift cards...

What a delight to see the history of a company that Ive enjoyed their products for years. I highly recommend going if you are in the area

History lessons came to life when I visited the Hallmark Visitors Center. After walking through the Crown Center, a small sign led to the entrance of this little gem. I was greeted warmly upon entering. Self-guided maps are at the starting point. Each station included the history along with visuals. These included the collectible ornaments, themed cards, and special toys. Videos are stationed throughout the exhibit.My favorite parts are the interactive stations. I got to see how a gift bow is made and I even got to take home my very own bow! The other favorite is playing with the selfie station. The system picks a random theme for you on the monitor and then you enter your email to have it be sent electronically (and probably for them to collect your email address.)I saw that theres a daily artist station where you can interact with the artist of the day, but I left before its time. In the future if I come back, Ill make an effort to stay during that time because I want to see them in action!Overall, I had a great time at this free center!

Great place to relax when the weather is nice outside!!! Crowncenter is across the street Lego and the aquarium, there small for the price though to go through but Hallmark areas is great.

It is more like a mini museum.Even has a machine that makes one small ribbon while you watch.

Fun place to visit! Got to wander around in our own time which was great. Also a quick movie on the Hall family was a great way to learn the History of Hallmark.

I love Hallmark...when you care enough to send the very best.

Signage to this place is pretty poor. It took me longer to walk the Link and find it than I actually visited.

Fun place for an Adventure

Always a fun stop with guests with kids, love the creativity it brings out!

Love this store and their great variety.

Family friendly had a good time

Fun learning the history of Hallmark.

Really interesting to see! The staff was so nice!

Nice history of the Hallmark legacy.

Interesting and fun

Always a favorite stop with the family along with kaleidoscope

Nice place to shop.

Really fun and interesting

Creative fun for free :) whats not to love

I was brought to Hallmark several times as a child and loved the experiences to utilize my own individul creativity and inginuity to create take-home prductions, that I brought two of my children on a couple of occasions to explore this fun-filled learning adventure once I got older. Great Family Fun! ((:

It tells the history of not only Hallmark but the city as well.

Great customer service.

Wonderful place

Its a beautiful store

Great place to shop!!

Kids had fun doing the postcard stamp scavenger hunt

Very liberal place

First time visit. Can’t believe being a lifetime resident in the KC area and have never been before. Will come back again.

Good.

Outstanding!

Love this place

Interesting...

Very cool place

Awesome

Just wonderful, great information for being free.

Crown Center, Crayon cafe...

Okay

Awesome

Beautiful

Nice place

It was supposed to close at 4, but was already closed at 3pm.

Always a good time for the fam!