Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)
Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)
A NEW CHAPTER FOR NEBRASKA’S ART SCENE: MONA REOPENS
After a transformative, multi-year project, the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) reopened its doors in May, unveiling a revitalized historic building and a stunning new 23,000-square-foot expansion.
This significant expansion, restoration and renovation marks a bold new chapter for Nebraska’s art and cultural community.
Located in downtown Kearney, MONA is the only museum solely dedicated to celebrating the art and artists of Nebraska. The reimagined museum nearly doubles its original footprint. Highlights include modern galleries, a community studio, flexible event spaces and an expanded outdoor sculpture garden – all designed to enhance accessibility and spark creativity.
This summer’s exhibitions showcase MONA’s renewed vision for dynamic, inclusive programming. “Magic and Loss,” a collaborative, immersive installation by Charley Friedman and Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez, opens the new John and Elizabeth Lauritzen Foundation Gallery. “Song Quilts” by Eliza Hardy Jones blends folk music and textile art, while “The Labor of Belonging” marks Wesaam Al-Badry’s first solo museum show – featuring powerful portraits of Nebraskans that explore place, identity and belonging.
Additional highlights include Plein Air Paintings from the Flatwater Folk Art Museum, celebrating outdoor painting traditions through the work of Nebraska artists, and “In Search of Ourselves,” a thematic reinstallation of MONA’s permanent collection that invites visitors to consider how Nebraska’s artistic identity continues to evolve.
With its grand reopening, MONA blends past and future – honoring its roots while opening space for bold new voices. Visit mona.unk.edu for hours and exhibition details.
Museum of BBQ
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE: THE MUSEUM OF BBQ OPENS IN KANSAS CITY
Already famous for its smoky, sauce-slathered specialties, Kansas City is now home to the Museum of BBQ, the first museum in the world dedicated entirely to barbecue.
Officially opened in April in Crown Center, this interactive experience invites visitors to explore the essential elements of BBQ – from meat and rubs to fire, smoke and sauce – before taking a flavorful journey through the country’s regional styles, including the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas and Kansas City.
Expect hands-on exhibits (like a pig puzzle and spice guessing games), creative art installations and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments – think a “bean pit,” championship mustard belts and burnt end lore.
Co-founded by longtime food writer Jonathan Bender and Alex Pope, chef/owner of the Local Pig, the museum combines sensory play with serious BBQ know-how.
“The Museum of BBQ is a feast for your senses,” said Bender. “Get ready to immerse yourself in the smoke and sizzle of the world of barbecue.”
Tickets are $10 and available at museumofbbq.co, with timed entry every 30 minutes.
in a Punjabi mustard fielf (right).
Maven Gallery
MAVEN GALLERY BRINGS GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHY TO WICHITA
Wichita’s art scene gained a striking new addition this spring with the opening of Maven Gallery, a high-design photography space at 3238 East Douglas Avenue.
Founded by internationally recognized photographers Austin Mann and Esther Havens Mann, Maven is dedicated to showcasing powerful visual narratives from both regional and global artists.
The founders note that Maven Gallery’s name reveals its mission: “A maven is a keen observer and connector, driven to discover and share insights that deepen understanding, spark curiosity and illuminate truth.”
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, “Chromatica: Light, Life & Curious Connection,” features vivid photographic storytelling by Austin and Esther, captured across all seven continents. What does a portrait of a farmer in a Punjabi mustard field have in common with an image of synchronous fireflies in Tennessee? Linked by a shared chroma, or color, these photographic pairings invite close examination and encourage viewers to contemplate the nature of light itself.
This August, the gallery will present Measures of Time, featuring photographers Steve Wrubel and Reuben Wu. An opening reception will be held Aug. 22 from 6-9 p.m., followed by an artist talk on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.
Maven Gallery is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and by appointment). Visit mavengallery.com for more details.
Atlas9
THE REEL WORLD: ATLAS9 BRINGS FORGOTTEN FILMS TO LIFE
Enter the Reel World at Atlas9 in Kansas City, Kan. later this summer or early fall.
Once a nostalgic 90s movie house, Atlas9 has been transformed by a strange and powerful cinematic phenomenon. Here, scenes from “forgotten films” have quite literally come to life. Now operating under a shadowy government partnership (or so the story goes), the 45,000-square-foot theater complex is a labyrinth of installations,
live performances and interactive technologies designed to blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Themed food, beverage and retail options are all woven into the experience along with a 240-seat movie theater auditorium. Stay tuned for updates on the grand opening at atlas9.com.
Jones Gallery
JONES GALLERY MARKS 15 YEARS AS A CROSSROADS STAPLE
Celebrating 15 years in a beautifully restored, century-old building, Jones Gallery is a staple of the Crossroads Arts District.
With 9,000 square feet of gallery space, it has featured work from more than 3,000 artists over the years – around 20% from outside the Kansas City area. Now showcasing the work of gallery founder David Jones, who recently took up painting, and artist/Art Director Cynthia Hagenhoff, the space remains a dynamic part of the local art scene. Stop by during First Fridays or visit anytime Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1717 Walnut St. More info at jonesgallerykc.com.
First Fridays
FIRST FRIDAYS IN THE CROSSROADS
Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is always a creative hub – but on the first Friday of each month, it transforms into a lively celebration of art, culture and community.
#firstfridayskc draws thousands of locals and visitors to explore art galleries, studios and eclectic businesses showcasing work by local, national and international artists.
From April through October, don’t miss Art Alleys – a stretch between Baltimore and Wyandotte (18th Street to Southwest Blvd) where Art Garden KC hosts dozens of artist vendors from 5 to 9 p.m. Grab a bite at the Food Truck Plaza and enjoy the district’s many murals, shops and entertainment venues.
PRO TIP: Skip parking in the district by hopping on the free KC Streetcar to get to the Crossroads. Once you’re there, it’s best explored on foot.
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just looking for a fresh Friday night out, First Fridays offer something new every month. Check out the latest gallery openings and special events at kccrossroads.org/first-fridays.
