The Museum of Nebraska Art's expanded area, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is proud to announce that the recently completed expansion, renovation, and restoration of the museum received multiple prestigious design awards from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Receiving awards from AIA Nebraska, AIA Colorado, and AIA Central States, the building project—which reopened to the public on May 3, 2025—was recognized for exceptional architectural detail, innovation, and the successful blending of historic preservation with contemporary design.
The awards received include:
• AIA Nebraska Architectural Honor Award for Excellence in Architectural Detail
• AIA Nebraska Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture
• AIA Central States Excellence in Architecture Award
• AIA Colorado Design Award of Excellence
“These honors are more than a milestone—they affirm our vision for a museum that embraces Nebraska’s past while boldly looking toward the future,” said Andrew Dunehoo, Executive Director of MONA. “Our restored historic building and contemporary addition reflect MONA’s commitment to sustainability, community, and celebrating Nebraska’s artistic legacy.”
Designed to seamlessly connect the original 1911 Neoclassical structure with a new 23,000-square-foot expansion, the project elevates the visitor experience through increased exhibition space, a reimagined Community Studio, visible art storage, and new public gathering areas. The addition features cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, expansive natural light, enhanced accessibility, and direct connections to the revitalized sculpture garden.
The renovation also modernized essential systems—lighting, HVAC, and climate control—to support long-term art preservation while nearly doubling the museum’s exhibition capacity.
MONA extends its gratitude to its project partners, including BVH Architecture, Coen + Partners, StudioNYL, Morrissey Engineers, Buro Happold, Atelier Ten, and Whiting-Turner, among many others, who contributed to the project’s success.
About the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)
The Museum of Nebraska Art celebrates the history of Nebraska’s visual arts by collecting, preserving, researching, exhibiting, and interpreting works by artists connected to the state. As the steward of Nebraska’s official state art collection, MONA serves as a cultural hub offering exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement opportunities for visitors of all ages. MONA is open six days a week, and admission is free of charge.
