Film History of Union Station

Kansas City

This landmark has been featured in hundreds of films, music videos, and TV shows, including HBO’s Truman, NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, among others.

Perhaps the landmark’s most famous depiction was in Robert Altman’s film, Kansas City. In this love letter to his hometown, the renowned director set many of his scenes in the historic station. The 1996 film starred Harry Belafonte and Jennifer Jason Leigh, but Union Station feels less like a filming location and more like a supporting character.

Scene from Robert Altman's "Kansas City" at Union Station

The depot had been closed for 10 years prior to Altman’s production, in part due to a steep decline in commercial train travel. Thankfully, the movie made an impact on the city. The crew cleaned the place up, which reminded Kansas Citians of its historic beauty.

Many argue Altman’s decision to set such a large portion of his film in Union Station ignited a local campaign for a $250 million renovation a year later.

Disney

Union Station also played a role in the life and career of the Father of Animation. While living and working in Kansas City, Walt Disney started Laugh-O-Gram Studio.

To save money, Disney lived in his offices at 31st & Troost and took his showers at Union Station. Not long after it opened, Laugh-O-Gram Studio folded and Walt decided to make his way to California.

Though he had very little money, Disney bought himself a first-class ticket on a train that would take him from Union Station to Hollywood, and, as they say, “the rest is history.”

For more information on Kansas City’s animation innovators make sure to visit the Laugh-O-Gram section of this tour.

Fast Facts

• Opened October 30, 1914
• Was considered one of the busiest train stations in the country

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