KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officials with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City are starting a long process that could lead to expanding the museum.

The Kansas City Star reports the building is cramped, particularly in office and storage space. It exhibits only about 6 percent of its 39,000 arts pieces, which is normal for museums that often rotate their works from storage.

But director of administration Mark Zimmerman says the museum has offices in galleries that should be devoted to art.

Museum officials plan to work with members, donors, neighbors and the public to explain the institution’s needs and expansion options.

A 1999 strategic plan led to more space for special exhibits, collections and other programs but offices for the museum’s nearly 300 employees and non-art storage are still lacking.