A Joyful Visit to the Newly Expanded Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha!
While Omaha has many new attractions and much to see, folks have been eagerly awaiting for the reopening of the newly expanded Joslyn Art Museum! I have been one of those people. The Joslyn has been closed for more than two years and I have dearly missed it. When the museum reopened in early September, I made sure to visit the first week. Since then, I have visited two more times, enjoying different parts of the museum on each visit. Join me as we explore the new and improved Joslyn together!
The new addition added 40% more gallery space to the museum and includes a fabulous two-story Hawks Pavilion with the Schrager Atrium and new gift shop. There are more than 100 new works of art on display, including the largest collection donated to the Joslyn to date, entitled the Phillip G. Schrager collection. This new collection adds many more works of contemporary art to the Joslyn collection. You can also find out more on the Joslyn web page below.
Other new features in the collection include many more works of native American art all integrated within the regular collection, not as a separate entity. This, according to Forbes magazine, is an outstanding accomplishment. The American and Contemporary art is now integrated by theme rather than by artist or cultural identity. I have to say it was refreshing to see Native American works right along with works by other American and contemporary artists. This is inclusivity at its best. And why not arrange it this way? Honestly, it just makes more sense and assists visitors in understanding the historical and cultural context for all the art. The link to the Forbes magazine article is below.
Joslyn has also updated their outdoor spaces and their sculpture garden and I had a lovely time last week walking through the garden and taking photos. I especially enjoy the water feature just outside the new Hawks Pavilion. I could literally sit there for hours. I will post more information about the outdoor area and the children’s’ areas in Part 2.
Another fun feature of the new addition is a balcony overlooking the outdoor space and the city on the second floor of the Hawks Pavilion. It is known as the Union Pacific Foundation Terrace. That is another place that I could spend hours at just watching the city go by. I also love the shadows the window blinds create — so cool! The first time I discovered the balcony, I saw a woman running up the original (outside) Joslyn pink marble steps like Rocky from the movie. She pumped her arms at the top just like in the movie and I was tickled to see her do that. 😁
The Joslyn’s Durham Café has also undergone renovations and is now features a new menu and inviting outdoor patio seating. The Durham Cafe is lovely and light-filled and looks like a wonderful place to enjoy a delicious meal or an afternoon snack. See the link to the hours and menu below.
To sum up, the Joslyn has always been a gorgeous and forward thinking institution. This new addition and recent changes point a joyous indicator for what Omaha is quickly becoming - a progressive and beautiful city that provides quality parks, attractions, recreation, and cultural features for area residents and visitors. And don’t forget this new beautiful museum and the #1 ranked zoo in the U.S.! I would highly encourage you to check out the new museum. It is open later in the evening on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Plus, entrance is COMPLETELY FREE any day it is open. What a terrific benefit for all of us!
Stay tuned for Part 2 blog post featuring the outdoor areas and fun areas for kids. Part 3 will feature the collections and features in the Joslyn original building and the building addition from the 1990s.
Joslyn, I’m so glad you’re back and more beautiful and just as educational as ever! Kudos to the architect Snøhetta , the planners, the implementers, the designers, and the friendly and knowledgeable museum staff! Plus, a BIG thank you to the donors who made this beautiful renovation and addition possible and ensure free entry every day it is open!!! Once again, did I mention IT’S FREE?!!!!!? Run, not walk to see it! 🫶😉😁
