Hallmark Visitors Center - Kansas City MO Hallmark Bow Museum History Greeting Card

Faces pressed eagerly against the glass, visitors wait their turn to push the button. Adults and children alike get a thrill from this button in the Hallmark Visitors Center. One quick finger gesture and a machine transforms 42 inches of ribbon into a souvenir miniature star bow that you can take home with you for free. The creation of the bow, slowed down for easy viewing, takes less than 30 seconds.

The bow isn't the only thing that is free at the Hallmark Visitors Center. The whole exhibit is available to the public at no charge. Closed Sundays, Mondays, most holiday weekends and much of January when it is updated, the exhibit requires no reservation unless you are traveling with a group of 10 or more. Simply walk in and start enjoying learning about the history of the Hallmark Corporation.

A 40 foot historical timeline starts with Joyce Hall selling picture postcards out of his YMCA bedroom. The exhibit continues through the life of a greeting card and includes a working production center with two presses churning out cards. Commercials from television play on flat screens throughout the site. Real Hallmark employees create special cards and demonstrate the latest trends and techniques in card decoration. There are also virtual visits available with many of the famous Hallmark characters.

Visitors should expect to spend about an hour perusing the exhibit. Connected via the Link to both Union Station and Crown Center, the Hallmark Visitors Center is very accessible. Individuals or couple visiting during the week should be aware that because it is free, kid-friendly and educational the Visitor's Center is massively popular with school groups. Weekend or evening visits will work best to avoid the children's groups. Timing your visit in this will also allow adult and individual visitors the opportunity to have in-depth conversations with the card makers about what's new in the greeting card industry.