(Omaha, Neb.) - February 26, 2016 - Omaha Children's Museum set record attendance in 2015 with 302,901 visitors, securing its spot as the most visited museum in the state of Nebraska. The museum also recorded record membership numbers in 2015 with over 10,000 member families, up nearly 1,000 from 2014. 

"We are thrilled with the extraordinary response to the museum's exhibits, programs and events this past year and are honored that our guests chose the museum as a special place to spend time together," said Executive Director Lindy Hoyer. "We expect 2016 and the celebration of our 40th anniversary to be another big year for us."

Growth in 2015 can be attributed to a number of factors including the popularity of new permanent exhibits like the Hy-Vee Grocery Store and an increase in attendance for educational programs. The temporary exhibition, LEGO Travel Adventure, was also visited by more than120,000 guests from May 23 to September 6. 

The museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016 with a number of special exhibits and events throughout the year.  In 1976, Omaha Children's Museum began as a traveling organization operating out of the back of a station wagon and in 1989 moved to its current home at 20th Street St. Mary's Avenue.  More information on the museum's history can be found here.  This weekend will also mark the opening of a new outdoor interactive sculpture highlighting the 40th anniversary designed in collaboration with local artist Jamie Burmeister.  Burmeister was recently named the 2016 Outstanding Artist of the Year by the state of Nebraska and his works have been displayed in galleries all across the United States.

  

The sculpture will be installed at the museum's main entrance on Friday, February 26.  The best time for photo opportunities would be Saturday, February 27 during business hours.  For further information or to set-up an interview, please contact Michelle Chartrand at [email protected].

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About Omaha Children's Museum

Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children's Museum has been a special place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play. The mission of Omaha Children's Museum is to engage the imagination and create excitement about learning. The museum's permanent exhibits include Charlie Campbell Science & Technology Center, Creative Arts Center including the Karen Levin Artist-in-Residence Studio, Imagination Playground and Walker Tire & Auto Service Center. In addition to its permanent exhibits, Omaha Children's Museum offers educational programs, traveling exhibitions, field trips, outreach programs, summer camps and early childhood programs.

For more information visit http://www.ocm.org.

 

Museum Information

500 S. 20th St.
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 342-6164