List of museums and cultural institutions in Omaha, Nebraska facts for kids

Omaha, Nebraska, is a city full of exciting places to explore, especially its many museums and cultural spots. You can find everything from amazing art to fascinating history and even cool science exhibits! It's a great place to learn and have fun.

The Omaha Civic Auditorium, a place for big events.

Amazing Museums in Omaha

Omaha has many different museums where you can discover new things. From art to history and science, there's something for everyone!

Art Museums and Galleries

Omaha is home to several places where you can see incredible art.

• The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a special place where artists from all over the world come to create new art. It started in the early 1980s and is known as one of the best places for artists to work.
• The Kaneko museum opened in 2007. It was started by Ree Kaneko and her husband, the famous Japanese American artist Jun Kaneko, who live in Omaha.
• The Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center opened at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in February 2023. This museum has over 500 paintings by Samuel Bak, an artist and Holocaust survivor from Lithuania.

Famous Art Collections

• The Joslyn Art Museum is a very important museum. It's famous for its collections of Native American art and artworks that show the early European explorers in western North America.

Beautiful Gardens

• Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center is a wonderful place to see many different kinds of plants and flowers.

Fun for Kids

• The Omaha Children's Museum has been a favorite spot since 1976. Kids can play, discover how the world works, and challenge themselves with fun activities.
• The Kiewit Luminarium, a science museum on Omaha's riverfront, opened in April 2023. It's a great place to explore science and technology.

Cultural Heritage Museums

These museums celebrate the history and traditions of different groups of people in Omaha.

• The Sokol South Omaha Czechoslovak Museum shares the history of the Czech and Slovak communities.
• El Museo Latino celebrates the art and culture of Latin America. It was the first museum in Omaha dedicated to Latino art and history.
• The Great Plains Black History Museum tells the stories of African Americans in Omaha and across the Great Plains region.
• The Henry and Dorothy Riekes Museum is located at the Jewish Federation of Omaha campus.

History Museums

Learn about the past at these interesting history museums.

• The Durham Museum is in a beautiful old train station called Union Station. It has many exhibits about history and often hosts special traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution.
• The General Crook House Museum at Fort Omaha shows what life was like during the U.S. Army's role in the Indian Wars of the 1900s. It's part of the Douglas County Historical Society.
• The Joslyn Castle is a historic home that you can visit to learn about Omaha's past.
• The Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters tells the story of pioneers who traveled through Omaha.
• The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens marks the birthplace of a former U.S. President.

Animal Adventures

• Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, with amazing animals from all over.
• Fontenelle Forest is a nature center where you can explore forests and see local wildlife.
• Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari offers a chance to see animals in larger, more natural settings.

Libraries for Learning

Omaha has great libraries where you can find books, learn, and do research.

• Omaha Public Library has many branches across the city.
• University Libraries, University of Nebraska Omaha are for college students but also offer resources.

Fun Festivals and Events

Omaha hosts several exciting festivals throughout the year.

• Maha Music Festival is a popular music event.
• Native Omaha Days celebrates the history and culture of Omaha's African American community.
• Omaha Blues, Jazz, & Gospel Festival showcases different music styles.

Music, Theater, and Performing Arts

Omaha has many places where you can enjoy live music, plays, and dance performances.

• The Holland Performing Arts Center is a beautiful venue for concerts and shows.
• The Omaha Community Playhouse is one of the largest community theaters in the United States.
• The Creighton Orpheum Theater is a historic theater that hosts many different performances.
• The Astro Theater and CHI Health Center Omaha are places where big concerts and events happen.

Dance Performances

• Omaha Academy of Ballet teaches and performs ballet.
• The Rose is a theater that often has shows for young audiences, including dance.

Opera Shows

• Opera Omaha brings amazing opera performances to the city.

Symphony Orchestra

• The Omaha Symphony Orchestra performs beautiful classical music.

Live Theater

• The Blue Barn Theatre, Magic Theatre, and Shelterbelt Theatre are smaller theaters that put on unique and interesting plays.

See also

• Culture of Omaha, Nebraska
• List of museums in Nebraska