“Glass Labyrinth,” the latest addition to the sculpture park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, relies on the work of two local companies, JEI Structural Engineering and W. Carter & Associates Glazing.

A ribbon-cutting for the installation was held on May 22 on the museum’s south lawn. Internationally known artist Robert Morris, a Kansas City native, designed the labyrinth, which is made up of 53 large glass panels. The largest of the panels weighs about 600 pounds.

It was a unique project, but something that both companies were well suited for.

“We design glass and glazing systems all over the United States,” said Stewart Jeske, the founder of JEI Structural Engineering. The company’s past projects include small portions of the World Trade Center and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and other high-profile work.

KC’s Next Icon?

“Glass Labyrinth” was a little different because the glass “sits out in the middle of a field,” Jeske said. The panels are made of annealed starfire glass with a sentryglass interlayer, so they provide high visibility and durability. The labyrinth is held together by a continuous bronze “cap” at the top of each panel.

The project has taken about a year, JEI Structural Engineering’s Jeske said. He hopes it will become as well known as the Shuttlecocks or one of Kansas City’s other artistic landmarks.

“I believe this will be iconic for Kansas City,” Jeske said. “I believe this will develop into something renowned.”

Pictured: Andy Baumann, Ryan Kubr, Carrie Jeske, Stewart Jeske, Matt Quinlivan, Matt Gorny, John Issawi