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Kiewit Luminarium

4.5 (48 reviews)
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Updated 3 months ago

Kiewit Luminarium Photos

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Exterior - The building is very photogenic from this side. Entrance is to the right of the blue circle if you zoom in.
Braden W.

I have been to a few places similar to this. I would call it kinda a young to medium kids museum that adults could still enjoy. Two levels of things and activities to check out as well as a room where they have roaming attractions. There is also a fun indoor 'jungle gym' on the second floor and then across from the entrance is a city park that is huge. Parking is kinda tight but there is a second lot on the other side. Overall for under 20 bux for adults and under 15 bux for kids isn't a bad price for a couple hour time spend with the kids if you are local or tourist. Beware the dang downtown construction because there is alot of mess right now! (2026)

Jana J.

This was my second time at the luminarium, where I attended a party that my company posted. I have to say, the luminary did an excellent job of hosting us with delicious appetizers, unlimited bar, very short, weight, lines, and all of this during a severe ice storm they kept half of my coworkers at home! The staff still showed up, and did an amazing job. I wasn't sure how a company party would go over in a space like this, but it was a great time, and a fun layout for different levels and mingling opportunities. Great job, Kiewit!

Stephanie L.

An absolute gem in Omaha! I love that they offer Night Lights for 18+ so us adults can have fun too. All the exhibits are interactive and informative, making it hands on learning that I love. Watch out for the occasional special exhibit or theme. The most recent Night Lights I went to was focused on biomimicry and there was a baby kangaroo to hold - one of the highlights of my life haha.

View from the second floor
Nicole O.

Wow - I wasn't sure what to expect when going here but I was pleasantly surprised! I decided to go to the adult night with a few friends. We had a blast! Right when you walk in there is a gift shop and also very friendly staff at the front desk. We were able to buy a drink at the bar and continue with it while walking around. One of my favorite parts was the fact that it was interactive but also educational as well! I loved getting to explore HOW and WHY things work in a hands on environment! 10/10 would go back again.

Sara C.

The Luminarium is such a cool place, and we are super lucky to have this in Omaha. I went on an adults only night, but I could see it being very neat for kids to go to as well, if parents are looking for a fun, but educational place to take the kids. There are several interactive pieces you can play with/learn from, with exhibits dedicated to sound, light, weight, motion, heat, and many more things to explore. If you're a fan of photo ops, there are DOZENS of spots that would be great for that too (but definitely read the scientific reason for the exhibit before or after you take your selfie LOL) I don't want to spoil everything, but just trust me and visit the Luminarium for yourself, whether alone or with your kids - you will not regret it!

Maddy G.

We love the Luminarium especially in the winter time. It seems like there is more for older kids to do-- exhibits, play space, dissection demonstrations etc but we still take our toddler and let him roam around. They have a great playground outside for the warm weather and a nice walking path where you can walk along the water. There is also an indoor playground that is an awesome spot in the colder months but does require some close adult supervision as it is a little challenging for the younger kiddos. If you become a member you get a 10% discount in the Fig Cafe.

Molly M.

We looooooved the visit to the luminarium and so does the kiddo! We have a membership and stopped in a few weeks ago for some fun. It's large enough but small enough that you won't get lost. She loved playing with the kinetic sand and even more so the playgrounds both indoors and outdoors. There was plenty to do and even more to learn. Our favorite spot as the adults was the cafe. We got French onion soup, a Caesar salad, and hummus. All of it was incredible!! The prices are right and there's tons of options including drinks both alcoholic and non. There's an entire coffee shop attached too. We easily kept busy for hours and definitely recommend! Parking is ample as well.

Infrared camera shows heat sources
Bryan A.

There is so much to explore here! We were blown away by the variety and complexity of the exhibits presented in the Luminarium. Having heard that it was primarily focused on youths and children, we hadn't put this place near the top of our "things to do" list. Guess what... The Luminarium has a plethora of activities for all ages. We visited on a Thursday afternoon which meant that most kids would be in school. Most of the people exploring alongside us were Millennials -- it appeared to be a large company's team-building event, which from all appearances was successful. Nevertheless, folks of every generation were there -- and were all having a good time. It is difficult to describe the entire experience because there are so many different exhibits. Simply put, you just need to see it for yourself. I promise that you won't be disappointed. The building is large which allows plenty of space for the exhibits. There is lots of room to move around and explore. Best of all, there is a huge variety in the types of displays. Other benefits include the following: - great views of the river and parks - nice gift shop - free lockers to store your coat or whatever you don't want to lug around - cafe [Fig] in case you get hungry and want a snack - free parking - large outdoor playground for kids Overall, it is a fascinating science museum that Omaha can be proud of!

Katie F.

With Mom and I visiting from Denver, a group of us headed to the Luminarium for an afternoon of exploring this Omaha staple! Let's just say it's the perfect spot for..... ++ A date! With interactive exhibits throughout two floors, there is a ton to explore that involves thinking, talking, walking and all things to spark conversation! ++ A pick me up/cocktail. The cafe attached to the museum features a variety of sweet treats, small eats and a variety of wine and beer. Our group opted for a bottle of wine before diving into the exhibits and it made for the perfect start! ++ Views, on views! The adjacent park has a variety of activities, sites, slides and views of downtown Omaha - making for a fun experience. Tickets are available on the spot (or to reserve in advance) for a reasonable price, the exhibits are super interesting and an easy way to spend a few hours! Highly recommend :)

Can't pass up a Flip Board. The sound. The feel. It's like the last of the analog meets digital.
Bryan A.

Don't pass on checking this place out! Great mix of science and whimsy; very well designed. Cafe has delicious coffee; great baked items! Amazing location too.

Snack time!
Gabriel W.

I have a 2 and 3 year old and it's their favorite place to go run around! The place is a good size and I haven't had to worry too much about them destroying stuff! So glad they made this place so kid friendly! I'd say it's better than the Children's Museum and a better price for an annual family membership! The upstairs has a seating area so I bring lunch and then time it right so they can nap when we get home. Great for kids!

Justin S.

Really impressive museum for people of all ages. Everything is interactive and immersive. Our children were captivated by each new display. We were there for three hours and could have stayed longer, but they really wanted to play on the outdoor playground.

The building as you see it if walking through the Riverfront park
Jen M.

I like science museums and I appreciate having the Kiewit Luminarium here. It's in a nice spot at the end of the RiverFront park. There is free parking here (though availability might be a problem). There are 4 EV chargers available. Charging is free for 4 hours then $2/hour after that. This is one of the only places in the downtown area with chargers in a free lot. Anyway, the museum: there are a lot of interactive stations here that are interesting and informative for kids and adults. Maybe not particularly well-suited for preschool age, though we did bring our niece here on her 4th birthday and we all really enjoyed it. The main drawback is the price. I think it's $25/adult & $20/kid. The price was not displayed so you will have to check online for details. This is significantly pricier than other local attractions (other than the Zoo). And at $250/year for a family membership...it's a lot (I think even the Zoo is $205). I have to tell you, I had been pretty impressed that when this place opened, they had an option of a $100/year family membership or a $250/year family membership. And the only difference between them is that you could choose which one better suited your family budget. Unfortunately, that system quietly disappeared not long after opening. It would be nice if the price overall could be lowered. I definitely like the museum and I think it's a great addition to our city...but also I feel that it's not as large or as spectacular as other science museums I have visited. And for the price, it's hard for me to enthusiastically recommend it to visitors. There is a gift shop on site full of amazing things. From time to time there will be an employee who finds these things as interesting as I do, so that's fun. Most of them seem quite disinterested and sit quietly behind the counter. I've worked retail... so...I get it. But I'm kinda surprised that there isn't usually any interaction. There are a lot of items with no price tags and no signage for pricing. There is a cafe, Fig, on site. I'll review that separately. FYI: I will also be complaining about prices in that review.

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4 months ago

Fantastic interactive place that kept kids happy for the whole afternoon. The cafe food was delicious but very very expensive.

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Ask the Community - Kiewit Luminarium

Review Highlights - Kiewit Luminarium

The outdoor park area looked so fun and mirrors some programming found in the Gene Leahy Mall.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

Read more highlights

The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum

(157 reviews)

The Durham Museum is in the old Union Station. I'm glad they were able to preserve the building…read morebecause it really is spectacular. There are many permanent displays about Omaha history, and there are train cars you can walk through; enthusiastic docents are often there to answer any questions. There are temporary exhibits here as well, and in the summers they will have something cool that the whole family will enjoy. There are lots of programs here, many of them free with admission or membership. I do recommend getting a membership if you think you might want to come at least a couple times in a year. And you probably will want to! There is a soda fountain/snack bar area. The ice cream is great! The food is okay. It's a museum and not a lunch destination. The museum is located right next to Omaha's Old Market.

This was my second time visiting The Durham Museum, and it continues to impress. My first visit was…read moreduring a free event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and this most recent trip was with a group for the "Negro Motorist Green Book" exhibit. From start to finish, the experience was excellent. The museum provided discounted tickets for our nonprofit group, communicated clearly throughout the planning process, and had a tour guide ready who found us right away. That level of organization and customer care made a big difference. The exhibit itself was powerful and deeply educational, highlighting the history of the Green Book and the realities African American travelers faced during segregation. Through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, it sparked meaningful conversations--especially among our younger visitors. I also really appreciate the museum's intentionality around inclusivity and programming. You can feel that it's a space designed to educate and welcome a wide range of audiences. The museum itself is on the smaller side, with exhibits primarily on the lower level, which actually made it manageable for our group to move through at different paces. My kids love the super long train you can walk through and the nearby play area. Practical perks matter too--there's plenty of parking (a huge plus), and they even offer umbrella strollers to borrow, which is incredibly thoughtful for families. Overall, a meaningful, well-run experience that I would absolutely recommend--whether you're visiting on your own, with family, or as part of a group.

Joslyn Art Museum - Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Joslyn Art Museum

(155 reviews)

Downtown

We are so lucky to have the Joslyn museum right here in Omaha. I've been to art museums all around…read morethe world, and this one stacks right up against them in terms of quality. I've been visiting the Joslyn since I was a child, and visiting as an adult brings back all those wonderful memories. The cool blue and green Storz Fountain art deco tile atrium, the amazing sculpture garden outside, and the temporary and permanent exhibits that are so thoughtfully curated. The Joslyn houses works from classic and modern artists like Monet, Basquiat, Jackson Pollock, Titian, Dale Chihuly, Bouguereau, Picasso, Renoir, Mary Cassatt, and Roy Liechtenstein, among so many more. They also feature several local artists and workshops that I think is so cool that they contribute to the local community in that way too. The Joslyn was closed for two years recently for expansion and restoration, as well as adding many more pieces of art to the collection. There are little signs on each new piece of art that says "New to the Collection" so you'll know you haven't seen that one before if you visited a lot before they closed and reopened. And what's really awesome aside from all that? It's free! I've only ever seen a museum of this caliber having free entrance in large European cities like London and Paris. You obviously are able to make a donation with your entrance, which I'm sure is encouraged to keep the museum running, but I love that it's offered freely for those who can't pay an entry fee but will benefit just like anyone else from the art housed there. I've seen comments here on Yelp saying that you can do this whole museum in 30 minutes. If you're doing that, you are absolutely doing it wrong and rushing through everything. My last visit was 3.5 hours long and I only saw two or three exhibit rooms. What's so great about this being a free museum is that you DON'T have to rush, because you can always come back later and see anything you didn't get to, in the first or second visit. With all the free things there are to do in Omaha, this has got to be at the top of the list, especially if you're an art lover!

This museum is free with 3 parts. When I visited, there was an ongoing exhibition that was not…read morefree. It is very spacious and has a decent collection of artwork. There are sculptures in the garden outside the museum. My favorite here is the beautiful fountain at the middle. Durham Cafe is located inside the museum (I reviewed this separately). They have a gift shop as well. Worth checking out if you're in Omaha.

Museum of Shadows - A haunted museum!

Museum of Shadows

(35 reviews)

Downtown

So many things to look at here. It's a self guided tour, and you can take as long as you want. So…read moremuch to take in and read about. We were there for 2 hours and we plan to come back sometime. They also had a few options to rent ghost hunting devices.

I REALLY wanted to love this place, as I LOVE all things paranormal, but sadly I was quite…read moredisappointed with this place, purely because of the lack of care and attention to detail. But because of how badly really wanted to love this place, I'm going to leave a super long review with points I really think could benefit you guys if you're open to it, and really help make this place flourish! So Each room we went into was just a big empty room, with a million cluttered artifacts lining the perimeter of each room, complete with the same laminated piece of paper typed up on word, accompanying literally every single item. So if someone wanted to read every single piece of paper in here, I have no doubts it would take AT LEAST 34 hours... And it's unfortunate bc they really did have a ton of awesome items with super interesting stories attached, but everytime you walk a couple more feet around the perimeter, you're again overwhelmed with the sheer amount of clutter/things to read. So I'd really recommend to the staff to try and change the layout of this place. Ideally the rooms would be smaller, so that you aren't overwhelmed by a big empty room. Even just some kind of cheap room dividers that simulate a divided up room would work. And the 2nd biggest recommendation I have would be changing up how you present information. At the very least that means just changing the sizes of the captions you have next to items, like making some of the captions in much bigger frames, and maybe keeping some small ones, there just needs to be more of a variety to keep the scene in front of your more interesting. And maybe don't have soo many captions that were excessively long, like you could sum up the item in just a couple sentences, and then save the entire detailed story about the item just for guided tours or something. Lastly- WHY IN THE WORLD DO YOU NOT LET PEOPLE USE THEIR PHONES? Don't you understand every time someone would take a pic of something in your museum and then post it on social media, that's LITERALLY FREE ADVERTISING for you! Trust me, you're only hurting yourself by not letting ppl share pics of their visit here.

Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens

(167 reviews)

South Omaha

I randomly saw something about the Thomas Dambo troll exhibit the week before I was due to be in…read moreDes Moines for a dog event, so I made a note to try to stop by on my way home if it worked out. I was done with the event a little after lunch time, so was passing through Omaha at about 3 PM - a couple of hours before the garden closed. It was a cooler, overcast day so it was safe for my dogs to hang out in my car for an hour or so. A good bit of luck, since I'm not sure I would have been able to find a shady parking spot. Admission to the garden is roughly $18 for non-members, and when you buy your ticket with a credit card at the self-serve kiosk it gives you an option to cover credit card fees - which I chose to do so all told I paid $21 to see these trolls. I will not that there is one troll that is outside of the entrance to the garden - the one with the little car - so even if you can't justify the admission price it is still worth taking a few minutes to come see that troll. They are all built of reclaimed wood and recycled materials, with incredible detail right down to their fingernails. While I came primarily to see the trolls, the grounds are beautiful. It is still early enough in spring that just a few things were in bloom, but those things were pretty spectacular - such as the field full of dafodils. There were beautiful plantings of other spring bulbs and several magnolias were in bloom. The gardens have some beautiful hybrids as well as traditional cultivars. The trolls were scattered throughout the gardens, but it was not a difficult walk to see them - though there are some short inclines I think it would take no more than an hour to see all of them if that were your only agenda. There is also a troll tram available for a nominal cost. I found strolling through the gardens to be a peaceful break from highway driving. You can still hear some traffic noise, but there's plenty of birdsong as you get away from the entrance. Each of the trolls was unique, but there wasn't any signage to tell you about their unique personalities (you can look that up online, though - and Thomas Dambo's website is a wonderful rabbit hole to go down if you are so inclined). My favorites were the one with the birdhouses and the buddha-like one in the Japanese garden. I almost left right after seeing all of the trolls, but then decided to exit through the conservatory an I am glad that I did. It was warm and humid inside so I didn't stay for too long, but it is packed with tropical foliage including beautiful orchids, pitcher plants, ferns, tropical trees, and a koi pond with the biggest koi I have seen in a very long time. I didn't have much in the way of expectations of Omaha or these gardens when I thought I'd stop to see the trolls, but I am impressed. People were friendly. The gardens are beautiful and it seems family friendly - a children's playground takes up a good chunk of real estate within the garden - and starting in May four-legged friends can walk with you in the gardens on Monday (I think?) evenings. Well worth a visit.

A must visit spot while in Omaha! We got hit with beautiful 70 degree weather and took advantage of…read moreit by coming here. We got our steps in while admiring the greenery and well thought out flowers. My toddler enjoyed Sophia's garden playground the most. While I enjoyed the super massive greenhouse. There were so many photo opportunities. They don't allow outside food or drinks which is a bummer for those traveling with kids! However, there are two cafes that offered food for purchase. It looks like they offer events during the holidays. Looks especially fun during Christmas time, we'll definitely be back!

Kiewit Luminarium - museums - Updated May 2026

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