Now through May 2026 | Special Collections Gallery, Miller Nichols Library
In 1974 Kansas City’s Folly Theater was nearing the end of its life. Opened in 1900 as the Century, by the early 1970s it was reduced to showing X-rated movies and burlesque shows. Local photographer Bob Barrett recognized this moment in the building’s history and captured a series of remarkable images of the theater, its employees, and a number of the burlesque performers. Shortly after Barrett’s photographic excursion, local preservationists stepped in to save the Folly, transforming it into its current incarnation.
View the exhibit during library open hours. Metered parking is available in the parking lot north of the library, located at 800 E. 51st Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110.
