Our Story

Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children’s Museum has been a special place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play. It is Omaha’s primary participatory museum and provides a variety of hands-on exhibits, workshops, programs, presentations and special events that put children in touch with their ever-changing world.

Educational programming is an area of strength for Omaha Children’s Museum. Special offerings such as focus field trips, summer camps, workshops, presentations, and birthday parties help round out the experience for young visitors.

The imaginative environment at Omaha Children’s Museum reaches beyond home and school experiences, nurturing growth and development as young children and their adults explore the world together.

Quick Facts About

Omaha Children's Museum

Mission Statement
The mission of Omaha Children’s Museum is to engage the imagination and create excitement about learning.

Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion Statement
Omaha Children’s Museum believes play is a path to a brighter future. We support children in reaching their full potential as learners and valued members of society by providing equitable learning opportunities that involve learning and play through positive childhood experiences in the company of caring adults. Omaha Children’s Museum is a place where children are free to express themselves and envision a brighter future.

We are committed to making the necessary changes so that all children of our community see themselves through interactions with the Museum. As an organization, we will reflect the children and families we serve, honor their lived experiences, and respect the community wisdom that informs the world around us.

We recognize that there is significant work to accomplish before every child has an equal opportunity to thrive. As we stand up for equality, we stand against racism, injustice, prejudice, exclusion, and inequity. We are ready to listen to underrepresented voices and step up as an ally as we commit to the following:

Guests – Offer educational exhibits and programs that support learning and development in early childhood. Our services, exhibits, activities, and programming will reflect a variety of cultural representations, languages, ethnicities, gender identity, sexual orientations, socioeconomic situations, beliefs, abilities, ages, and family configurations.

Community – Incorporate the ideas and unique needs of our community into the development of our exhibits, programs, and operations. We commit to collaborating with and supporting the work of organizations that reach underserved communities.

Organization – Build an organization of individuals who reflects the rich diversity of our community. As members of our staff, board of directors, and volunteers, these individual voices shape the work of our mission. We commit to creating a culture where employees know they belong and are valued as unique individuals. We will support an inclusive environment where every individual’s unique identity and perspectives are valued.

Partners – Seek out and align ourselves with partners who are committed to equity and inclusion. We commit to diversifying our vendors with more female, veteran, and minority-owned businesses.

Type of Organization
501(c)(3) Non-profit

History of

Omaha Children's Museum
1976
Museum incorporated. First housed in the City/County Connector building before moving to 18th and St. Mary’s Ave.
1989
Moved to current and permanent home at 20th Street and St. Mary’s Ave.
1993
Complete renovation of main floor (40,000 sq. feet)
2002
Second floor renovation of 20,000 sq. feet completed, making the facility 60,000 sq. feet and in the top 15% of children’s museums worldwide
2006
Building on the Best Campaign raises $6.6 million for complete renovation of permanent exhibits
2007
Exhibit renovation complete
2010
Named Omaha Non-Profit of the Year by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
2011
First community exhibit, Big Backyard
2017
Set record attendance with 324,078 visitors

Organizational

Values
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Growth
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We are committed to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of our young guests. We recognize the importance of sharing the value of this growth with parents, educators and our community. We are committed to creating an environment where children and families can strengthen their bonds through learning, exploration and time spent together. The museum recognizes that only with growth and innovation will the organization continue to flourish. We believe in the growth of our staff both personally and professionally as well as the positive growth of Omaha Children’s Museum as an organization.

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Respect
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We believe in treating others as we would like to be treated and respecting other people’s feelings, recognizing the value of people, property, the environment and ourselves. We treat our team members, guests and all others we encounter with respect and sensitivity. In addition, we respect what is taking place at our organization and in each individual life.

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Fun
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Fun and play is at the heart of what we do and it is contagious. Play is one very significant way that we learn and for the early childhood audience, it is critical to learning and development. Omaha Children’s Museum is committed to being a positive place for our guests, employees and all other stakeholders. We believe in the power of teamwork and the strength of happiness.

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Well-Being
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We believe in the importance of well-being of our employees, our guests, our board of directors the community and our organization. The museum is committed to doing its part to promote well-being in the lives of the people it impacts. Our organization strives to be a safe harbor where individuals can express themselves freely and can expect to be safe from harm. Omaha Children’s Museum recognizes that behind every great organization, there are great people. When well-being is thriving among people involved in and associated with the organization, the organization can thrive as well.

Calendar

Events, Programs and Happenings

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Today at the museum

2024 November

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This week at the museum

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