Organization

The Joslyn Art Museum is a leading cultural institution and the largest art museum in Nebraska, dedicated to connecting people with art across time and cultures. Located in Omaha, The Joslyn stewards a collection of more than 12,000 objects representing 5,000 years of human creativity, encompassing American, European, and global traditions. Founded in 1931 as a gift to the community from Sarah H. Joslyn in memory of her husband, George, The Joslyn remains committed to public access and engagement, offering free general admission and serving as a welcoming resource for audiences of all backgrounds. The Joslyn’s mission, to bring people together to explore art across time and cultures, guides its work as a civic and cultural anchor for the region.

The Joslyn’s architecturally significant campus blends three distinctive buildings that together create a unified and evolving museum experience. The original Joslyn Building, an extraordinary Art Deco landmark that opened in 1931, established The Joslyn as both a civic gift and a work of architectural significance. The 58,000-square-foot Suzanne & Walter Scott Pavilion, completed in 1994 and designed by Norman Foster, marked The Joslyn’s first major expansion, introducing soaring interior spaces and a dramatic glass atrium. Most recently, the 42,000-square-foot Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion, designed by international architectural firm Snøhetta, opened as part of a transformative campus expansion, adding approximately 16,000 square feet of gallery space along with new studios, gathering areas, and visitor amenities. Together, these buildings expand access to art while creating a dynamic, welcoming environment that connects galleries and community spaces.

Through a robust program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, The Joslyn engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds while amplifying diverse artistic voices and perspectives. In 2025, The Joslyn welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from all 50 states and 62 countries, hosted 10 temporary exhibitions, and acquired 154 artworks, further strengthening its collection and reach. Of those visitors, more than 100,000 individuals participated in Learning & Engagement programs designed to connect audiences with The Joslyn's exhibitions, collections, campus, and community.

The Joslyn’s Learning & Engagement Department offers a wide range of programs for all ages, abilities, and interests, including free monthly community events, public tours in English, Spanish, and ASL, school tours, lectures, and collaborative programs with local arts and community organizations. Grounded in a commitment to access and inclusion, these initiatives are developed in partnership with community stakeholders and across museum departments to ensure meaningful engagement and broad participation. Through this work, and with national and international recognition for its leadership, innovation, and community impact, The Joslyn continues to evolve as a place where art, community, and creativity come together to enrich lives and strengthen civic vitality.

The Joslyn Art Museum has a 27-member board of governors. The Director of Learning & Engagement reports to Jack Becker, Executive Director & CEO, and oversees a department of 25 full-time and part-time staff members and contractors, including four direct reports: the Head of Community Programs, Head of School & Teacher Programs, Head of Studio Programs, and Head of Kent Bellow Mentoring Program. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, The Joslyn reported total revenue of $9.9 million. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, is $10.3 million.

Sources: edited from joslyn.org; propublica.org