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

The Omaha Civic Auditorium

Omaha, Nebraska, is a city full of exciting places to explore! It has many cool museums and cultural spots where you can learn new things and have fun. From amazing art to fascinating history and incredible animals, Omaha offers something for everyone.

Museums

Omaha is home to a wide variety of museums. These places let you discover art, history, science, and even different cultures.

Art Museums

• The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a special place for artists from all over the world. It was started in the 1980s and is known as one of the best artist colonies in the country. Artists come here to create new and exciting art.
• The Kaneko is a museum opened in 2007 by famous Japanese American artist Jun Kaneko and his wife, Ree Kaneko. They live in Omaha and share their love for art with visitors.
• The Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center opened in 2023 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This museum displays over 500 paintings by Samuel Bak, an artist and Holocaust survivor. His art tells powerful stories.

Art Collections

• The Joslyn Art Museum is famous for its large collection of Native American art. It also has many artworks about the early European explorers in western North America. It's a great place to see art from different times and cultures.

Botanical Gardens

• Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center is a beautiful place to explore plants and flowers. It's like a giant outdoor museum for nature lovers.

Children's Museums

• The Omaha Children's Museum has been a favorite spot since 1976. Kids can play, discover how things work, and learn through fun activities. It's all about hands-on exploration!
• The Kiewit Luminarium is a new science museum that opened in 2023. It's located on Omaha's riverfront and offers exciting ways to learn about science and technology.

Cultural Museums

• The Sokol South Omaha Czechoslovak Museum celebrates the history and culture of people from Czechoslovakia.
• El Museo Latino is Omaha's first museum dedicated to Latino art and history. It showcases the rich legacy, art, and culture of Latin America.
• The Great Plains Black History Museum honors the history of African Americans in Omaha and the wider Great Plains region.
• The Henry and Dorothy Riekes Museum shares the history of the Jewish community in Omaha.

History Museums

• The Durham Museum is located in the beautiful art deco Union Station building. It has many permanent exhibits about Omaha's past. The museum also hosts special traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution.
• The General Crook House Museum is at Fort Omaha. It teaches visitors about the role of the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars of the 1900s. It's part of the Douglas County Historical Society.
• The Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens marks the birthplace of President Gerald R. Ford. You can visit the gardens and learn about his early life.
• The Joslyn Castle is a historic mansion that you can tour. It offers a glimpse into the lives of Omaha's early leaders.
• The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center is where you can learn about the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark.
• The Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who stopped in Omaha during their journey west.
• The Nebraska School for the Deaf Museum shares the history of the school and deaf education in Nebraska.

Zoological Parks

• Fontenelle Forest is a large nature area where you can hike and see local wildlife.
• Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world. It has amazing exhibits like the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle.
• The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is a drive-through park where you can see animals in large, open habitats.

Libraries

• The Omaha Public Library has many branches across the city. It's a great place to find books, movies, and learn new things.
• The University Libraries at the University of Nebraska Omaha also offer many resources for students and the public.

Festivals and Fairs

Omaha hosts many fun festivals throughout the year!

• The Maha Music Festival is a popular event for music lovers.
• Native Omaha Days celebrates the history and culture of Omaha's African American community.
• The Omaha Blues, Jazz, & Gospel Festival showcases different music styles.
• The Red Sky Music Festival brings more music and entertainment to the city.

Music, Theater, and Performing Arts

Omaha has a lively arts scene with many places to enjoy music, plays, and dance.

• The Astro Theater and CHI Health Center Omaha are large venues that host concerts and big events.
• The Creighton Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center are beautiful places to see live performances, from concerts to Broadway shows.
• The Omaha Community Playhouse is one of the largest community theaters in the United States.
• The Sokol Auditorium and Sokol Underground are known for hosting various music acts.

Dance

• The Omaha Academy of Ballet teaches dance and puts on performances.
• The Rose is a theater that also offers dance programs for young people.

Opera

• Opera Omaha brings grand opera performances to the city.

Recording Studios

• Saddle Creek Records is a well-known independent record label based in Omaha.

Symphony

• The Omaha Symphony Orchestra performs classical music and other concerts.

Theater

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

Galleries

• The John Beasley Theater and Loves Jazz and Arts Center are places where you can see art and enjoy cultural events.

See also

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

Images for kids

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  Omaha Children's Museum

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  Holland Performing Arts Center

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  The atrium of the Joslyn Art Museum. Dale Chihuly's Chihuly: Inside and Out can be seen at the far end.

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  Great Plains Black History Museum

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  General Crook House Museum

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  Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

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  Joslyn Castle

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  Rose Theatre

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  Orpheum Theatre

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  Omaha Community Playhouse