This is a world class museum that is a must do when in Omaha. Unreal and FREE!!!!

A great museum, but my experience was marred by two female staff members wearing masks. This created a slightly creepy atmosphere in a place that was otherwise filled with art.Those people were almost certainly suffering from some emotional condition and I hope they receive counseling, but they should not be permitted in areas where the public will see them.

With only a short visit to Omaha, I wasn’t planning on going here but I’m so glad we did!!! We spent a quick hour at the museum and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The architecture of the museum is worth the visit alone. They successfully combined 3 buildings from 3 different times into one beautiful cohesive design. The museum consists largely of paintings and they have a lovely collection plus some nice sculpture in the garden. The museum is free as is the parking and there’s really no reason not to make a quick stop.

I’ll admit it. I didn’t expect to be this impressed by the Joslyn Art Museum. But from the moment I walked in, this place overdelivered.Start with the most obvious: admission is free. In an era where even mid-tier museums are charging $20, that alone makes the Joslyn worth a visit. But what’s surprising is just how much you get for that price.The collection is broader and more substantial than you’d expect in Omaha. You’ll find everything from ancient works to more modern and regional art. It’s not encyclopedic on the level of Art Institute of Chicago or the St. Louis Art Museum, but those are the closest comparisons in terms of range and ambition — and that’s saying something.One of the more pleasant surprises was the cafe. The food and drinks, including wine, genuinely punch above their weight. This isn’t an afterthought snack counter. That said, the concept feels like a missed opportunity. The setup is more school cafeteria than restaurant. With a shift to full-service dining and table service, this could easily become a standalone draw in Omaha’s dining scene.All told, the Joslyn is an easy recommendation. It’s accessible, thoughtfully curated, and far more substantial than you’d expect.

Free, and far larger than one would expect in a city the size of Omaha. We came mostly to see the two Bouguereaus. It was definitely worth the more that 400 mile drive. Next time we'll plan to stay two days to see everything.