During your visit to this Kearney, Nebraska attraction explore the art museum’s 11 galleries showcasing the Museum’s permanent collection as well as a rich menu of rotating exhibitions that reflect the diverse voices of the state. Outside you can stroll through the Cliff Hillegass Sculpture Garden. The Museum of Nebraska Art’s Anne Thorne Weaver Museum Shop features an array of unique items waiting to be explored.
Museum of Nebraska Art Permanent Collection
The Museum of Nebraska Art’s permanent collection was established by the Nebraska Art Collection Board of Directors in 1976 and was initially comprised of fewer than 30 pieces of art and a collective dream to create a collection and a showplace in which Nebraska’s unique artistic heritage could be celebrated. Today, the Museum of Nebraska Art’s permanent collection, comprised of over 5,000 works of art, reflects the history and culture of Nebraska. Within the collection are works of regional, national and international significance. See works by artist-explorers like George Catlin; early Nebraskans such as Cozad native Robert Henri and J. Laurie Wallace who lived in Omaha from the age of 27 ; and modern era artists Grant Reynard and John Falter. Highlighted in the Museum of Nebraska is one of the nation’s premier collections of wildlife art by John James Audubon.
Cliff Hillegass Sculpture Garden
Cliff Hillegass Sculpture Garden at the Museum of Nebraska Art features a number of sculptures. Stroll through the Sculpture Garden to appreciate the various works of art, or find a quiet spot to sit, relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Shopping in the Anne Thorne Weaver Museum Shop
Be sure to stop by the Anne Thorne Weaver Museum Shop at the Museum of Nebraska Art. An array of unique items including jewelry; original artworks, cards and books celebrating art, creativity and life in Nebraska; home décor; and toys are available to purchase in the Anne Thorne Weaver Museum Shop.
- In addition to its permanent art collection, the Museum of Nebraska Art regularly hosts rotating exhibitions in the Hitchcock Education Gallery. Currently active Nebraska artists who are building reputations, but do not yet have their work in permanent collections are often featured in the gallery. Noteworthy participants have included polymer artist Sandra Williams, photographer Roger Bruhn and sculptor Elizabeth Kronfield.
- The Museum of Nebraska Art is ADA complaint. A wheelchair is available to checkout from the Museum on a first-come, first-served basis.