About Public Art

In 1804, when Lewis and Clark ventured onto the land that would become the city of Omaha, they discovered a "curious collection of graves or mounds… of different heights, shapes, and sizes; …the largest being nearest the river." If Lewis and Clark could return to the same spot in 2004, their initial view would be an urban skyline containing a thirty-nine story skyscraper and a mammoth arena and convention center. Coming closer onto shore, they would find Omaha a thriving city with vigorous industries offering a high quality of life for its people.

Public art enhances our quality of life, and Omaha is fortunate to have a broad mix of distinctive and engaging artworks accessible to everyone. Public art challenges us, comforts us, and delights us. Throughout the Omaha metropolitan region, public art defines our urban spaces and encourages exploration. Omaha's public art collection includes outstanding works by regional and national artists and reflects a variety of styles and traditions.Some of the works are publicly funded, but many were supported by private donations. Collectively, the public art in Omaha creates an exciting, urban environment.

You are invited to visit Omaha's public artworks through this website and in person. The website, sponsored by Omaha by Design and the Omaha Public Arts Commission, is the first phase of what we hope will be a complete catalogue of public art in the metro Omaha area.

Welcome to public art in Omaha!

Photographs Copyright Larry Ferguson 2002.