The story of Joslyn Art Museum is one of endless renewal. From our beginning, centered around the success and vision of just two individuals, to a vibrant present and future, comprising a tapestry of staff, neighbors, partners, and visitors, The Joslyn continues to evolve and grow.
History
Sarah's Gift
In 1928, Sarah Joslyn (1851–1940) donated over $3 million to fund an arts center for the citizens of Omaha. The opening of the Joslyn Memorial (today, Joslyn Art Museum) on November 29, 1931, gave the city a sensational cultural building that was greeted with pleasure and astonishment. Over 25,000 people attended the inauguration, where Sarah remarked, “If there is any good in it, let it go on and on.” From the start, the project, conceived by Sarah as a memorial to her late husband, George (1848–1916), was meant to uplift and benefit the greatest number of people possible at no cost to them. Admission was free from 1931 until 1965, when a fee was first instituted. Today, The Joslyn is the largest art museum in Nebraska, serving as a vital educational and cultural resource for Omaha, the state, and the region. The collection of over 12,000 objects represents more than 5,000 years of human creativity and the world’s diverse cultures. In 2013, The Joslyn returned to free general admission, reaffirming our founder’s commitment to accessibility for all.
About the Joslyns
George Joslyn was a masterful businessman, driven by ambition; a practical joker who enjoyed whisky, cigars, and billiards; and kindly and charitable, often giving with the stipulation that he not be recognized for his donations. Sarah Joslyn was strong-minded and no-nonsense, with a dry wit and an adventurous spirit who owned, and drove, her own car. Together, they loved horseback riding, and opening their home for gatherings of friends and strangers alike. Together, they were two of the most interesting and influential citizens in Omaha history.
Growth of the Museum
Upon the opening of The Joslyn, our founder, Sarah, said, “If there is any good in it, let it go on and on.” Over 90 years later, the Museum has expanded, physically and programmatically, as our audiences have grown.
Photo: ArchitecturalPhotographyInc.com