The Joslyn Art Museum: Art, Architecture and Things to Do in Omaha, Nebraska
If you are looking for things to do in Omaha, Nebraska, The Joslyn Art Museum belongs on the list. Located just west of downtown Omaha, The Joslyn is one of the city’s most recognizable cultural landmarks and one of the many places that makes living in Omaha feel a little more special.
Whether you are new to the Omaha area, considering moving to Omaha, exploring the city with your family, or have lived here for years, The Joslyn is worth a visit. With free admission, incredible architecture, an expansive art collection, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a newly transformed campus, it is an easy addition to an Omaha weekend.
What Is The Joslyn Art Museum?
The Joslyn Art Museum, now known simply as The Joslyn, is the largest art museum in Nebraska. Located at 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha, the museum is home to more than 12,000 objects representing approximately 5,000 years of human creativity.
Visitors will find everything from European and American paintings to contemporary art, photography, sculpture, decorative arts, and an important collection of Native American art.
But The Joslyn is not just a place to walk through galleries. Its architecture, gardens, community spaces, cafe, events, classes, and family programming have made it a cultural destination for the greater Omaha community.
The History of The Joslyn in Omaha
The story of The Joslyn begins with Sarah and George Joslyn, who became prominent figures in Omaha during the city’s early growth.
After George died in 1916, Sarah decided to create a lasting memorial to her husband and a gift for the people of Omaha. In 1928, she donated more than $3 million to fund an arts center for the city.
The Joslyn Memorial officially opened on November 29, 1931, with more than 25,000 people attending its inauguration.
The original Art Deco building was designed by Omaha architects John and Alan McDonald and became a landmark in its own right. In 1938, it was recognized as one of the 100 finest buildings in the United States.
Over the decades, the museum continued to grow alongside Omaha. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Pavilion opened in 1994, followed by two sculpture gardens in 2009.
Then, in 2022, The Joslyn temporarily closed for the largest transformation in its history.
The New Joslyn Art Museum
The Joslyn reopened in September 2024 following an extensive renovation and expansion.
One of the biggest additions was the new 42,000 square foot Rhonda and Howard Hawks Pavilion, designed by internationally recognized architecture firm Snøhetta in partnership with Omaha based Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture.
The project increased gallery space by more than 40 percent, created a new entrance and visitor experience, refreshed the gardens and grounds, and allowed the museum to reinstall its permanent collection.
The expansion has also received international recognition for its architecture and design. The Hawks Pavilion received a Prix Versailles World Title for its exterior design in 2025 and the project earned LEED Gold certification for sustainability.
For anyone interested in Omaha architecture, design, art, or local history, the building itself is almost as much of an attraction as the artwork inside.
What to Expect When You Visit The Joslyn
Give yourself some time to explore.
The Joslyn campus now includes three connected buildings and more than 30 galleries. Depending on what interests you, you can spend your visit exploring paintings, sculpture, photography, contemporary installations, historical pieces, Native American art, and works from around the world.
Outside, the museum grounds include sculpture, gardens, native prairie inspired landscaping, walking areas, and spaces where visitors can simply slow down and enjoy the campus.
You can also stop at The Durham Cafe for something to eat or browse the museum shop for books, gifts, art inspired items, and pieces connected to current exhibitions.
Families looking for kid friendly things to do in Omaha will also find interactive spaces and programming for younger visitors. Throughout the year, The Joslyn offers tours, classes, art activities, performances, gallery talks, and special events for both children and adults.
Is The Joslyn Art Museum Free?
Yes.
General admission to The Joslyn is free for everyone.
The museum returned to free general admission in 2013, carrying forward Sarah Joslyn’s original vision of creating a cultural resource that could be enjoyed by the entire Omaha community.
Some special exhibitions, programs, or classes may have a separate fee, so it is always a good idea to check the museum calendar before you go.
Free admission also makes The Joslyn a great option if you are searching for free things to do in Omaha, inexpensive family activities, Omaha date ideas, or something to do when friends and family are visiting from out of town.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions at The Joslyn
The exhibitions at The Joslyn change throughout the year, which means there is often something new to experience even if you have visited before.
As of late summer 2026, exhibitions include City in Print, on view through September 6, 2026, and Pipilotti Rist: I’m Not the Girl Who Misses Much, also on view through September 6.
Sadie Barnette opened August 1 and continues through January 3, 2027, exploring the intersection of personal stories, collective history, and everyday life.
Coming this fall, Café Society: Art and Sociability in Paris, 1855 to 1914 will be on view from September 26, 2026, through January 17, 2027.
The museum also regularly hosts public tours, performances, gallery talks, art making experiences, family activities, and other special events. Because the calendar changes frequently, check The Joslyn’s website for the latest events and exhibitions before visiting.
The Future of The Joslyn
The recent expansion was about much more than adding gallery space.
The vision for The Joslyn is to continue becoming a gathering place and educational resource for Omaha, Nebraska, and the surrounding region. The redesigned campus provides more opportunities for community partnerships, education, performances, events, and interaction with art.
Today, the museum welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually while continuing its commitment to free general admission.
More than 90 years after Sarah Joslyn opened the original building as a gift to Omaha, The Joslyn continues to evolve while holding onto much of that original vision: creating a beautiful place that belongs to the community.
Plan Your Visit to The Joslyn in Omaha
The Joslyn is located at 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and stays open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
General admission is free, and free parking is available onsite.
Its central location also makes The Joslyn easy to pair with other things to do in downtown Omaha and Midtown Omaha. If you are spending a day exploring the city, it can easily become part of a larger Omaha itinerary.
Discover More of Omaha
Places like The Joslyn are part of what makes the Omaha metro such a great place to call home.
When people think about moving to Omaha, Nebraska, the conversation often starts with home prices, Omaha neighborhoods, schools, commute times, and the local housing market. But choosing where to live is about more than finding the right house. It is also about finding a community where you can actually enjoy your life.
Omaha offers a mix of arts and culture, locally owned restaurants, parks and trails, family activities, sporting events, historic neighborhoods, growing suburbs, and attractions like The Joslyn that give the city its own personality.
At Anthology Real Estate Group, we help people buy and sell homes throughout Omaha and the surrounding communities, including Papillion, Bellevue, La Vista, Gretna, Springfield, and the greater Sarpy County area. We also love helping people discover what makes each corner of the Omaha metro unique.
If you are considering moving to Omaha, relocating to Nebraska, buying a home in the Omaha metro, or simply wondering what your current Omaha area home might be worth, we would love to be a local real estate resource for you.
And if you already call Omaha home, keep following our Discover Omaha series for more local businesses, attractions, events, neighborhoods, and places worth exploring throughout the Omaha metro.
