The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) celebrates the history of Nebraska’s visual art for diverse audiences. MONA collects, preserves, researches, exhibits, and interprets the work of artists who were born, lived, trained, or worked in Nebraska or who created artworks that reflect the culture of Nebraska. MONA’s permanent collection reflects the history and culture of the state and holds work from artist-explorers like George Catlin to the early 20th century American master and Cozad native Robert Henri, to Thomas Hart Benton’s original illustrations for The Oregon Trail. MONA also proudly displays one of the nation’s premier collections of wildlife art by John James Audubon. Contemporary Nebraska artists are featured in the Nebraska Now series of revolving exhibitions in the Museum’s Gail Walling Yanney Skylight Gallery and the Cliff Hillegass Sculpture Garden provides a quiet spot to enjoy outdoor sculpture. The Museum continues to enhance the historical significance of the collection, while taking an active role in the ever-unfolding story of the cultural development of Nebraska. MONA’s Education Department conducts tours and hands-on workshops for thousands of students and adults each year, leading audiences to a greater understanding of the artwork on display and of themselves. The Museum’s outreach program called ARTreach makes touring exhibitions of original works from the Museum’s permanent collection and interpretive information available to exhibition venues throughout the state.
