Ancient Greek pottery with intricate black-figure designs

Joslyn Art Museum

Joslyn Art Museum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Omaha Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Omaha, Nebraska’s vibrant cultural heart, the Joslyn Art Museum stands as a beacon of artistic legacy, architectural achievement, and inclusive community engagement. Established in 1931 by Sarah Joslyn as a memorial to her husband George A. Joslyn, the museum has grown from its iconic Art Deco origins—distinguished by its rose-colored Georgia marble facade and dramatic 45-foot glass atrium—into a dynamic, modern institution. The 2024 unveiling of the Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion, a $100-million expansion designed by Snøhetta and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, added over 40% more gallery space and redefined the museum’s approach to accessibility, light, and openness. As Nebraska’s largest art museum, Joslyn offers integrated displays of Native American art with American masterpieces, a rich array of special exhibitions, and educational programming for all ages. This guide provides an in-depth look at Joslyn’s architecture, collections, visitor hours, ticketing, and tips for enjoying one of Omaha’s most celebrated historical sites (Joslyn Art Museum Architecture; Fine Art Connoisseur; UNOmaha News).

Joslyn Art Museum building and Hawks Pavilion in Omaha Nebraska in autumn 2024

Joslyn Art Museum Hawks Pavilion Entry Atrium with modern architectural design and natural lighting

Journal page describing 1832 railway lay-by and passenger carriages in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania

First Chain of the Rocky Mountains above Fort McKenzie painting by Karl Bodmer 1833

Portrait of Hotokáneheh, a Piegan Blackfeet man, painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833

Portrait of an Omaha Boy by Karl Bodmer, 1833

Portrait of Upsichtä́, a Mandan man, painted by Karl Bodmer in 1834

Karl Bodmer painting View of the Stone Walls 1833 depicting historical stone walls

White Castles on the Missouri River painting by Karl Bodmer in 1833 depicting historic river landscape

Cellular structure visualization using fluorescent microscopy

Introduction
Historical Overview and Architectural Significance
Permanent Collections
Recent Expansion and Reinstallation
Current and Recent Exhibitions
Visiting the Joslyn Art Museum
Architectural Highlights and Photographic Spots
Museum Guidelines and Etiquette
Onsite Dining and Shopping
Family and Educational Programs
Visitor Tips and Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and Additional Resources

Historical Overview and Architectural Significance

Foundations: 1931–1940s

The Joslyn Art Museum, located at 2200 Dodge Street, was established as a tribute to George A. Joslyn. Designed by John and Alan McDonald and built by Peter Kiewit Sons, its Art Deco structure features geometric lines and stylized motifs reflecting both modern ambition and timeless cultural influence (Joslyn Art Museum Architecture). Constructed during the Great Depression, the building quickly garnered national recognition for its rose marble exterior and architectural innovation.

Art Deco Heritage: The 1931 Memorial Building

A paragon of American Art Deco, the original museum boasts a rose marble facade that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the soaring 45-foot glass atrium bathes the space in natural light, creating a sense of grandeur and inspiration (ArchDaily; Forbes).

Growth: The 1994 Scott Pavilion

To accommodate expanding collections and audiences, the Scott Pavilion was added in 1994. While continuing the rose marble theme, its design prioritized art conservation and security, creating a contrast with the original’s openness (Joslyn Art Museum Architecture).

Transformation: The 2024 Hawks Pavilion

The Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion, opened in 2024 and designed by Snøhetta with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, reimagined the museum’s engagement with the public. Its curvilinear forms, transparent first floor, and community spaces invite visitors to interact with both art and architecture. This expansion increased gallery space by 40% and set a new standard for accessibility (ArchDaily).

Landscape Integration

A comprehensive campus redesign by Michelle Delk of Snøhetta created new gardens, an expansive Great Lawn, and open-air sculpture galleries. Lowered perimeter walls and reoriented entries transform Joslyn into a civic, accessible hub (Architectural Record).

Permanent Collections

Overview

Joslyn’s collection comprises over 12,000 works spanning 5,000 years, representing a broad range of cultures and artistic traditions. It stands as Nebraska’s largest art museum and a central cultural institution in the Great Plains (Omaha Exploration; Fine Art Connoisseur).

Collection Highlights

American Art: Works by Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, Grant Wood, and integration of Native American art within the American narrative (Omaha Exploration).
Native American Art: Plains beadwork, pottery, textiles, and contemporary pieces, presented as central to American art history.
European Art: Masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 19th century, including Titian, Veronese, El Greco, Renoir, and Bouguereau (WhichMuseum).
Ancient Art: Greek pottery, Roman sculpture, and Egyptian artifacts, connecting ancient craftsmanship with modern concerns.
Latin American and Asian Art: Ceramics, prints, textiles, and growing collections broadening the museum’s global outlook.
Modern and Contemporary Art: Works by Ed Ruscha, Bill Viola, Cannupa Hanska Luger, and others, reflecting contemporary issues (Gagosian).

Recent Expansion and Reinstallation

The 2024 Transformation

Snøhetta’s 42,000-square-foot Hawks Pavilion has redefined Joslyn’s public face, adding ten new galleries, community spaces, and a light-filled atrium (Snøhetta). Over 100 new acquisitions and commissions have been installed, with a curatorial focus on cross-cultural dialogue (The Art Newspaper; UNO Gateway).

Sculpture Garden

Expanded and revitalized, the sculpture garden now features 22 works, including commissions by Alison Saar and Hank Willis Thomas, as well as di Suvero’s “Bodacious.” The garden’s design enhances public engagement and hosts community events (Fine Art Connoisseur; WhichMuseum).

Current and Recent Exhibitions

Major Exhibitions (2024–2025)

Ed Ruscha: Paper: Drawings, prints, and photographs spanning six decades (Gagosian).
Made in the Plains: New works by artists from Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota (Joslyn Exhibitions).
Suchitra Mattai: The Fall: Installation using South Asian saris and glass to explore migration and identity.
The Floating World and Beyond: 200 years of Japanese prints.
Bill Viola: The Raft: Video art focused on human resilience.
Dripping Earth: Cannupa Hanska Luger: Ceramics, video, and sculpture inspired by Northern Plains heritage.
Animals in Art: Depictions of animals across cultures and centuries.
Henry Payer: Appliqué sur le terrain: Indigenous ribbonwork in Nebraska’s cultural landscape.

For current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the Joslyn official exhibitions page.

Visiting the Joslyn Art Museum

Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended until 8:00 PM on select evenings)
Closed Mondays and major holidays (Joslyn Art Museum – Visit Detail)

Admission

General admission is free for all visitors, with occasional ticketed special exhibitions. Children 12 and under are always free (Midtown Crossing Guide).

Location and Transportation

Address: 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102 (Omaha Guidebook)
Parking: Free lot on the north side, metered street parking, and convenient drop-off area. First-come, first-served (Joslyn Art Museum – Visit Detail).
Public Transit: Served by Metro Transit routes 93, 94, 97, 120, and 24; nearest ORBT station at 24th & Dodge (Omaha Guidebook).
Biking/Walking: Bike racks available; museum is walkable from Midtown.

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair-accessible entrances and galleries
Free wheelchairs at Welcome Desk
Accessible and family restrooms; service animals welcome
Free lockers for personal items (Joslyn Art Museum – Visit Detail)

Architectural Highlights and Photographic Spots

Rose marble facade & atrium: Best photographed at sunset.
Hawks Pavilion: Striking transparency and contemporary lines.
Sculpture gardens: Native plants and monumental artwork provide unique backgrounds.

Museum Guidelines and Etiquette

Do not touch the artwork or cases
No food or drink in galleries
Non-flash photography permitted unless otherwise noted
Large bags/backpacks in lockers
Children must be supervised
Respect other visitors (Joslyn Museum Guidelines)

Onsite Dining and Shopping

Durham Cafe: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (until 7:00 PM on Wednesdays/Thursdays), with grab-and-go options until closing (Joslyn Art Museum – Visit Detail).
Museum Shop: Art-inspired gifts, books, and souvenirs available during museum hours.

Family and Educational Programs

Hands-on workshops, artist talks, and outreach events for all ages
School tours and family guides available at the Welcome Desk (Midtown Crossing Guide)

Visitor Tips and Practical Information

Arrive early for parking; weekends can be busy
Allocate 2–3 hours for galleries and gardens
Dress in layers; climate-controlled galleries
Download the Bloomberg Connects or Audiala app for self-guided tours
Bring a water bottle (no food/drink in galleries)
Check for free admission days to ticketed exhibitions
Inquire about family activity booklets for kids

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Joslyn Art Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with some evening hours.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, general admission is free; tickets may be required for special exhibitions.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Fully accessible with wheelchairs and restrooms; service animals welcome.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, free lot and street parking nearby.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Yes, for individuals and groups; check website for details.

Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Only service animals inside; pets allowed in outdoor gardens.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Joslyn Art Museum is a cornerstone of Omaha’s cultural and historical landscape. With free general admission, world-class collections, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers something for everyone—art lovers, families, and explorers alike. Plan your visit, explore the expanded galleries and gardens, and experience the intersection of history, art, and community. For the latest exhibition updates and digital resources, download the Audiala app and follow @joslynartmuseum on social media. Discover more about Omaha’s cultural scene through related guides and embrace an inspiring day at this iconic historical site.