A NEW BEGINNING
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Nebraska’s unique and enduring story is told in no more eloquent way than through its art.
In just a few decades, the Museum of Nebraska Art has become a true destination and point of pride for the state.
Inspired by the passion and determination of our founders, MONA has embarked on a comprehensive restoration of our current 28,000 square feet and construction of a 23,000-square-foot expansion.
A time of transformative change
To meet our growing responsibilities and fulfill our potential, MONA must evolve in dramatic ways. We will meet the demands of this moment with your help.
FUTURE
MONA REIMAGINED
This opportunity will position the Museum of Nebraska Art to become one of Nebraska’s most accessible, engaging, and vibrant cultural institutions by responding to shifting expectations of what an art museum should offer visitors.
The new Museum of Nebraska Art will serve as a vibrant beacon for the arts, embodying MONA’s mission and vision, while embracing the history and diversity of the state. This pivotal moment will launch MONA into an exciting new era, in which we can make the experience of art — and all that entails —more accessible and meaningful. There are moments in life when we are invited to be a part of something that has deep meaning, changes lives, and endures. This is one of those moments!
“Bruce and I were honored to support the Museum of Nebraska Art’s expansion project from the beginning, serving as Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs since the campaign’s 2021 inception. MONA’s mission to celebrate Nebraska’s art and artists resonates deeply with the love of art and Nebraska that Bruce and I shared. As stewards of the state’s art collection, MONA’s leaders have not only diversified the museum’s programs and expanded the collection but also made art accessible to individuals across the state. Bruce and I knew that supporting the museum’s growth and longevity was a sound investment in the future.”
Gerry Lauritzen
Honorary Campaign Co-Chair
THE CRITICAL NEED
MONA’s home since 1986 is the iconic 1911 United States Post Office in Kearney, acquired and renovated after the Nebraska Legislature recognized our fledgling collection as the official visual arts collection of the state. The decades since have seen tremendous growth and success.
But with that success come challenges. During MONA’s 45-year history, the initial collection of 30 artworks has expanded to more than 5,000 pieces, and counting. We have long since outgrown our available space.
The completed expansion and restoration will address the following concerns:
Our space for display and storage of our collection is severely limited.
With many important works consigned to storage, MONA is hindered in our acquisition efforts and potentially less attractive to collectors or benefactors.
We lack dedicated space for programs and workshops.
Existing constraints prevent MONA from securing accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
THE CRITICAL NEED
Expanding MONA’s footprint In our community and state will allow for more people to soak up the cultural richness through exhibitions, events, education and classes.”
Judi Sickler, President/CEO Kearney Area Community Foundation
OUR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT
The Museum of Nebraska Art holds in trust the official visual arts collection of the state as established by the Nebraska Legislature in 1979.
Our effort to spread our reach is best reflected in two of our most popular programs: Miles to MONA brings thousands of students to MONA for tours and learning-day experiences. And ARTreach delivers and installs fully curated exhibitions to communities across Nebraska.
In our permanent collection as well as special exhibitions, MONA also upholds a deep commitment to artists, who are essential to our cultural community and integral to our mission. MONA understands that art not only has the power to transport us aesthetically, it can also provide insight into our shared experience and engage with the cultural, political, and social questions of our time.
EXPANSION FEATURES & IMAGES
EXPANSION FEATURES & IMAGES
NEW & ENHANCED SPACES
MAIN LEVEL
A welcoming new main entrance allowing greater accessibility for visitors of all ages and levels of physical ability while providing deeper engagement with the permanent collection.
Enlarged and enhanced spaces, indoors and out, designed for museum programming, community events, and orienting tours.
Additional spacious galleries for special exhibitions, embracing new technology and allowing more extensive display of MONA’s permanent collection.
Accessible library space to accommodate MONA’s growing collection of books, reference materials, and ephemera.
An open commons area to house a lounge and expanded museum shop.
UPPER LEVEL
A new suite of galleries housing the permanent collection.
A new feature gallery dedicated to rotating exhibitions exploring special features of MONA’s permanent collection.
Convenient connection between administrative offices and the new expansion
LOWER LEVEL
Greatly expanded storage facilities.
Fully updated mechanical systems, with special attention given to collection safety.
Dedicated space for artwork and exhibition care including art storage; matting and framing; exhibition preparation; photography and workshop area; crating and crate storage areas.
FOLLOW ALONG ON THE JOURNEY
“I was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska and had an amazing, brilliant art teacher in junior and senior high school––Larry Peterson, who was one of the founders of the Museum of Nebraska Art. So I have a great affection for the state and the museum. I am so grateful to Larry for his encouragement into a life that has been very full of art and artmaking.”
Barbara Takenaga, 2020 Guggenheim FellowImage: Barbara Takenaga
Nebraska II
acrylic on linen, 2015
Museum Purchase made possible by Margaret Hornady-David & Donald David, Kwik Stop Convenience Stores, NebraskaLand National Bank, Tom & Sue Tallman, Museum of Nebraska Art Permanent Collection
PROJECT BUDGET
Be a part of one of the most exciting chapters in MONA’s history. Your generosity will help us create this new vision.
EXPENSES
Expansion Construction Cost $16,500,000
Landscape 1,300,000
Historic Restoration/Renovation 6,000,000
Soft Costs 3,000,000
Furnishings and Equipment 1,200,000
Other costs 3,500,000
Operating Endowment 5,000,000
TOTAL $36,500,000
INCOME
State Appropriations $7,500,000
Leadership Gifts 16,000,000
Documented Planned Gifts 5,000,000
Foundation Grants 5,500,000
Public Phase Support 2,000,000
Corporate Sponsorships and Gifts 500,000
TOTAL $36,500,000
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
EMBODYING THE ARTS
There are multiple ways for you to support the campaign.
Multi-year pledge
Gifts of securities
Planned gifts
To learn more about giving options or how you can help, please contact:
Beth Quinn (Klipping), Development Manager
308-865-8968 | klippinge@unk.edu
To make a donation please click here Donate Now
BE A NEBRASKA MARVEL
“With this campaign, MONA now seeks our help to visualize the next chapter.
I want to be a part of Nebraska’s history.”
Joel Sartore, PhotographerImage: Joel Sartore
Sandhill Crane I (Grus Canadensis)
color photograph, 2007
Gift of the Artist, Museum of Nebraska Art Permanent Collection