Sheldon Museum of Art

The Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln stands as one of the Midwest’s most significant repositories of American art. Since its founding, it has been dedicated to fostering an understanding of artistic innovation and cultural history through its rich and varied collection. The museum’s holdings, which unite the collections of the Sheldon Art Association and the University of Nebraska, now encompass nearly 13,000 works that trace the evolution of American art across centuries and movements. Its galleries feature exemplary works of American Impressionism, early modernism, abstraction, and contemporary art, reflecting the changing aesthetics and ideas that have shaped the nation’s creative legacy.

Photography holds an essential place within Sheldon’s collection, bridging the museum’s historical and contemporary focus. The museum has long recognized the power of photography as both a documentary and expressive medium—one capable of revealing social realities and challenging visual conventions. Through acquisitions and exhibitions, Sheldon has explored the medium’s diverse possibilities, from early black-and-white landscapes and portraits to experimental color photography and conceptual works. These photographs, by both established and emerging artists, deepen the museum’s narrative of American art and illuminate how the camera has shaped modern visual culture.

The Sheldon’s striking building, designed by architect Philip Johnson and completed in 1963, provides an inspiring setting for this exploration of the visual arts. Its clean lines and classical symmetry create a contemplative environment that enhances the experience of viewing art in all its forms, including photography. Beyond its galleries, Sheldon extends art into public life, with more than thirty monumental sculptures installed across the University’s campuses.

As a teaching museum, Sheldon continues to engage students, scholars, and visitors through exhibitions, research, and dialogue—affirming its role as a vibrant space where photography and the visual arts foster curiosity, reflection, and connection.