KEARNEY — The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) held a ribbon cutting with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their reopening to the public following extensive expansion, restoration, and renovation efforts.
MONA unveiled its revitalized historic building and brand-new 23,000-square-foot expansion, marking a new chapter for Nebraska’s art and cultural community.
“MONA is the only museum in the state dedicated solely to celebrating the art and artists of Nebraska. The reimagined museum showcases exhibitions of work by Nebraska artists from the Museum’s permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists,” per a press release from MONA.
Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce President Derek Rusher welcomed everyone to the event and noted MONA has a special place in his life, as it was the location where he proposed to his wife.
Kearney city council member Alex Straatmann also spoke at the event, and said the building is a testament to the partnerships that have been built in Kearney. He said that it took MONA, the University of Nebraska – Kearney, the State of Nebraska and the City of Kearney working together to bring the project to fruition.
Andrew Dunehoo, MONA Executive Director, thanked many of those who had been involved with the project over the past years. “None of this would have been possible without the hard work and generosity of so many people,’ he said.
In 2015, the Museum of Nebraska Art’s (MONA) board of directors developed a plan to address the issue that the facility could only display around two percent of its total collection.
After years of research, fundraising and planning, the expansion and renovation project was able to break ground in 2021.
“MONA will not only house works of art, it will be a masterpiece on its own. This 23,000-square-foot expansion will utilize mass timber, a newer construction material that is more sustainable and lighter than steel while being just as strong,” according to Visit Kearney.
In addition to the expansion, renovation was done in the original 25,000 square foot historic building.
“MONA has served the community since 1986 but the building was actually the post office for many decades beginning in 1911. The original structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and in 1986, it was purchased and renovated in order to find a home for the “Nebraska Art Collection,” per the Visit Kearney website.
“In 1993, MONA, with much support from the community, used a one million dollar challenge grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation to further renovate and enlarge the building that has become well known to downtown Kearney,” per Visit Kearney.
The expansion features four new galleries with 15-foot ceilings, allowing MONA to display more of their collection, and new displays that would not have been possible in the former facility.
Karissa Johnson, MONA Curator, said several key items were at the forefront of the expansion and renovation project including improved accessibility to the facility.
Johnson said the “basic functionality of the space” has been improved with the project. She said multiple issues were tackled all at once with this project.
Several new areas outside the galleries include a new welcome center, a community art studio and workshop and gift shop. The second floor of the newly expanded space features all new galleries.
“Behind the scenes, MONA will be equipped with new storage for their collection items not currently on display allowing visitors access to a glimpse of MONA the collection. The lower level of the expansion will have industry-leading art storage equipment providing security and efficiency for the stored artwork,” Visit Kearney stated.
Johnson said the new storage area holds the entire collection and the novel part is that it can be just as much of a display area for art as it is a place to keep artwork not displayed in the galleries.
When it comes to her work as a curator, Johnson said she doesn’t believe in permanent collections that are always fixed. She said MONA has so much depth to its collection and they plan to show and rotate as much of it as possible.
In addition, the new space allows for outside works of art. Johnson added, with their new spaces to bring in the community, MONA plans to stay busy the whole calendar year with different events.
Personally, Johnson said she is most excited for all the new opportunities the expanded and renovated space presents. She said they will be able to “flex” the MONA’s entire collection in the space.
Dunehoo said MONA can now do so much more with the additional physical space, can professionally care for the art in their possession and expand the story of Nebraska art.
MONA in a way is being reintroduced to the Kearney community and the state of Nebraska, Dunehoo said. He recalled the words in one of the new galleries which was titled, “In Search of Ourselves.” He thought this apt phrase as the MONA will soon throw open the doors to the public.
Dunehoo said their mission and responsibility with the preservation and display of Nebraska’s art can be daunting, but he is excited to help share the story of countless artists from across the state.
He also said the MONA also has the chance to redefine art in the Midwest and set the standard as a world class facility. Dunehoo said the MONA has a chance to live up to those expectations and said they need to earn it.
Dunehoo said Nebraska is immersed in the arts and is a land of creators and noted the MONA can further their mission as a conduit. He added that Kearney is a thriving art community that supports not just arts, but theatre and performance.
Dunehoo noted that the expanded and renovated MONA can help to support all of the arts in the community and help to “raise all ships.”
Art tourism is a staple in Nebraska and Dunehoo said the MONA can now be a symbol of pride of not just Kearney but the state.
“This grand reopening promises to honor MONA’s legacy while offering an inspiring glimpse into its future as a hub for creativity and community connection,” per a press release from MONA.
