Joslyn Art Museum

Joslyn Art Museum is Nebraska's finest art museum, and the building is part of the pleasure. It opened in 1931 as a gift from Sarah Joslyn in memory of her husband George, a newspaper magnate, and its Art Deco exterior is clad in pink Georgia marble, with a Memorial Hall that feels more like a concert venue than a gallery. A later addition, a glass and steel pavilion designed by Norman Foster, adds light-filled galleries and a contrast between old and new that suits the collection. Inside, the museum covers European art from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century, American painting and sculpture, and a celebrated collection of art of the American West. The highlight for many visitors is the work of Karl Bodmer, the Swiss artist who traveled up the Missouri River in the 1830s with Prince Maximilian of Wied and painted some of the most detailed images of Plains Indian life and the river landscape before they were transformed. The museum holds an exceptional group of his original watercolors, which connect Omaha directly to the history of the river city. Special exhibitions come through regularly, and the sculpture garden outside is a pleasant place to walk on a nice day.

Plan about two hours for a satisfying visit, a little longer if you are a serious art lover or a special exhibition is on. Check the museum's current hours, closing days and admission policy before you go, since special exhibitions may carry a separate charge and the museum is typically closed on one day each week. The building is easy to navigate, with clear galleries and a cafe, and it is well suited to a rainy or very cold afternoon.

Start in the Memorial Hall, with its marble, fountain and ceiling, then choose between the European galleries and the American West section. If you only have a short visit, the Bodmer watercolors are the highlight, because they make the Omaha setting come alive and provide context for the river city outside the walls. Allow time for the sculpture garden if the weather is mild, and look out for tours and talks shown on the museum's calendar.

Joslyn sits just west of downtown, near Creighton University, so it is an easy rideshare or short drive from the Old Market and the hotels near the Capitol District. It pairs well with the Durham Museum for a museum day, with lunch in between. Families with older children should consider the studio programs and family days that the museum runs, and visitors on a budget should check for free admission periods. For a first visit, it is one of the best uses of an indoor afternoon.

A few touches can improve the visit. Check whether guided tours or gallery talks are running, since a docent can bring the Bodmer watercolors and the architecture to life. The museum cafe is a pleasant spot for a break, and the gift shop has well-chosen books on the American West. Photography policies vary by gallery and exhibition, so look for signs.

The building is accessible, with elevators and clear routes, and benches in the galleries help visitors who tire easily. If you travel with children, ask about activity guides, and if you are a regular museum-goer, check whether a reciprocal membership gives you access. The museum also hosts concerts in its auditorium, so scan the calendar for an evening event.