MONA - Museum of Nebraska Art

The Museum of Nebraska Art, known as MONA, is a cultural landmark in Kearney that celebrates the artistic heritage of Nebraska and its people. Conceived in the mid-1970s by faculty members at Kearney State College, the institution began as the Nebraska Art Collection, dedicated to preserving and showcasing works connected to the state. By 1979, the Nebraska Legislature recognized the collection as the official art collection of the state, affirming its importance and securing its partnership with what is now the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

In 1986, MONA opened its doors in the former Kearney Post Office, a 1911 structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This transformation provided the collection with a permanent home and underscored the community’s commitment to preserving Nebraska’s cultural legacy. Over the years, the museum has expanded both its facilities and its vision, including a major renovation and enlargement in 1993 supported by the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

Today, MONA houses a permanent collection of more than 5,000 works spanning nearly every medium, from painting and sculpture to textiles, glass, and photography. Its holdings range from 19th-century works to contemporary pieces, reflecting the diversity and richness of Nebraska’s artistic voices. Notable acquisitions include Robert Henri’s striking 1910 wedding portrait of Miss Eulabee Dix and regionalist works such as Thomas Hart Benton’s illustrations for The Oregon Trail.

Beyond its collection, MONA has become a vital hub for education and outreach. Programs such as ARTreach bring exhibitions to communities across the state, while student workshops, tours, and lectures deepen public engagement. Recent initiatives and expansion projects aim to broaden the museum’s ability to display its collection and foster connections with new audiences.

As Nebraska’s official art museum, MONA stands as both guardian and celebrant of the state’s creativity, ensuring its artistic legacy continues to inspire future generations.