Joslyn Art Museum reopens after expansion and renovation project

Omaha’s newly-renovated and expanded Joslyn Art Museum reopened to the public earlier this month.

The museum, which reopened on Sept. 10, underwent a renovation that included the integration of Native American art into the general American art collection.

“There is this sense of understanding, the broadness of what defines an American artistic tradition,” said Executive Director and CEO of the museum Jack Becker. “So, I think we look across, you know, all kinds of creative voices who are working at the same time, so native and non-native etcetera… So I think that is beginning to happen in the field as well.”

Along with this integration, the project includes a new 42,000 square foot pavilion named after donors Rhonda and Howard Hawks, as well as an improved green space and sculpture garden outside the museum.

“You will see it for the first time in the museum's 90-plus-year history, a complete reinstallation of the museum,” said Becker. “You'll see upgrades in lighting, and the cafe and a new museum shop. There is literally 5,000 years of human creativity on view here at the Joslyn Art Museum and collection.”

This two-year project cost $100 million. The Joslyn is open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the museum is free.