Omaha Children's Museum

Overview

Omaha Children's Museum is a nonprofit learning and exploration space for young people. Founded in 1976 by Karen Levin, Jane Ford Hawthorne, Betty Hiller, and a group of local educators, its mission is to engage the imagination and create excitement about learning through hands-on experiences[1][3].

History

The museum began as a traveling group of exhibits and activities, visiting over 30 locations, including the W. Dale Clark Library and Crossroads Mall, before settling into a permanent location in 1989 at the former Team One Ford dealership building[2]. This building, designed in the mid-1940s in a streamlined moderne style, was initially intended as a temporary location. However, due to its favorable downtown location with high visibility and ample space for expansion, it became the museum's permanent home[2].

Over the years, the museum underwent significant expansions and renovations. In 1993, it completed the renovation of its main floor, which included the Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center[1]. The museum further expanded with second-floor renovations in 2002 and completed a major overhaul of its permanent exhibits in 2007[2].

Exhibits and Programs

Omaha Children's Museum features a range of permanent exhibits designed to stimulate learning through play. Key exhibits include:

• Creative Arts Center: Houses a theater, an Artist-in-Residence Studio, community sculpture, and an art island, supporting various art forms and experiences[1][3].
• Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center: Includes the "Super Gravitron," an inventors workshop, pulley and vacuum chairs, and the "Science Showplace" for live presentations[1][3].
• Imagination Playground: Tailored for young children to foster creativity and exploration[3].
• Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden: An interactive outdoor fountain area where kids can engage with water play[3].
• Kinetic Tower and Whirligigs: A 51-foot kinetic tower and four 24-foot whirligigs located outside the museum, providing an engaging external environment[3].

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts traveling exhibitions and offers educational programs in art, science, and humanities[3].

Awards and Recognition

In 2010, the Omaha Children's Museum was recognized as the Omaha Non-Profit of the Year by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce[2]. The museum has also received Leading Edge Awards for Visitor Experience from the Association of Science and Technology Museums in 2004 and 2010[1].

Future Developments

Omaha Children's Museum is planning to relocate to a new site at 8th and Douglas Streets. This new facility will be part of a larger development, including a connected residential complex, and will offer enhanced exhibit spaces, programming, and accessibility features[2]. The move is anticipated to open in 2028 and will be primarily funded by private donations[2].

Impact

The museum has had significant impact on the community. For instance, in 2017, it set an attendance record with over 324,000 visitors, making it the most visited museum in Nebraska[2]. It also conducts extensive outreach programs, serving thousands of students through field trips and summer camps[4].