By Jenna Janssen OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Children’s Museum is planning a major move to Omaha’s redeveloped riverfront, with a new 75,000-square-foot facility set to open at 8th and Douglas streets in 2027. In partnership with Heritage Omaha, the $120 million project will offer larger exhibit spaces, outdoor play zones, and classrooms creating new educational experiences for children.
As part of Omaha’s riverfront revitalization, city officials said this move will position the museum as a family-friendly cornerstone downtown.
“This entire development fits right in with all the year-round family-friendly activities at the surrounding parks, museums, and entertainment venues downtown,” Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said. “We love that the site has easy access for pedestrians and cyclists and a location directly on the ORBT bus and Omaha streetcar routes, and we know that the new city of Omaha parking garage will get plenty of use from museum guests, Beam tenants, and everyone visiting downtown.”
Andrew Mattson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the museum said “The hope is that we have a new building that will inspire children for generations to come. It will become a fun place for them to explore and learn to express themselves.”
During construction, the museum will continue operating at its 20th and Howard location until 2027. Emma Riley, a frequent visitor who brings her younger siblings to the museum said “It’s awesome for it to move to a central area, where there’s already so much for families to do. The riverfront’s open areas make it an ideal place to explore.”
Alongside the museum, a new apartment complex named “The Beam” and a parking garage are also in the planning stages to make room for Omaha’s growing downtown. These proposals are set for review by the Omaha City Council in the coming weeks.
The Children’s Museum is seeking public input on the new design and features through a survey on their website, OCMRiverfront.org until Dec. 15.
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