The Museum is currently closed for a transformative restoration, renovation, and expansion project.
MONA Tours
The Museum of Nebraska Art is dedicated to providing quality educational programming to students and educators throughout the state. MONA believes every student deserves opportunities to explore and experience art within a museum setting. With a permanent collection of over 5,000 works, we have the means to provide students with diverse and immersive programming that enhances their art education. Throughout the year, MONA offers three types of school visits. Educators are invited to schedule self-guided tours, guided tours, and/or Learning Workshops. Self-guided and guided tours are free.
MONA’s collection is varied. Artwork may depict nudity, religious and cultural scenes, and other potentially sensitive subject matter. You may wish to notify parents in advance. If you are concerned, we recommend you review our collection on our website and welcome you to make a reservation to see our galleries before your scheduled visit. Please call 308-865-8559 to speak with a learning and engagement staff member.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided school tours are for educators who wish to customize their museum experience by leading their own tours through the galleries. We ask that you have the appropriate number of chaperones. Chaperones must be at least 19 years old. Adults joining the group as chaperones do not require payment.
- PreK-K have at least 1 chaperone for every 6 students.
- 1st-5th grades have at least 1 chaperone for every 10 students.
- 6th-12th grades at least 1 chaperone for every 15 students.
Self-Guided tours are free and need to be scheduled three weeks in advance.
Guided Tours
MONA school tours are inquiry-based experiences that focus on at least 3 works of art and last between 45 to 60 minutes. Guided tours are designed for PreK–12 students. School tours are led by trained docents who encourage students to look closely, share personal perspectives, and make connections to their lives and learning. Docents also incorporate Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). Studies show that the VTS approach increases knowledge of art, improves critical thinking skills, instills higher tolerance and empathy levels, and creates a desire to return to art museums.
Please divide your class into smaller groups prior to your visit.
- PreK-K have 6 students or less with at least 1 chaperone per group.
- 1st-3rd have 10 students or less with at least 1 chaperone per group.
- 4th-12th should have 15 students or less with at least 1 chaperone per group.
Chaperones must be at least 19 years of age. Adults joining the group as chaperones do not require payment.
Guided tours are free and need to be scheduled three weeks in advance.
Learning Workshops – Enhancing your School Visit
MONA’s Learning Workshops spark students’ curiosity and support classroom curriculum. Workshops include hands-on art-making experiences and a guided tour. The workshops can last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the age of the students. All workshops address Nebraska State Standards.
We ask that you have the appropriate number of chaperones. Chaperones must be at least 19 years of age.
- PreK-K have at least 1 chaperone for every 6 students.
- 1st-5th grades have at least 1 chaperone for every 10 students.
- 6th-12th grades at least 1 chaperone for every 15 students.
Learning Workshops cost $5 per student and must be scheduled three weeks in advance.
Listen to the Land Grant
In recognition of the late Dr. Robert Manley, an eminent Nebraska historian, the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is offering grants up to $300 to Nebraska educators to encourage students to find the history that is all around them. The phrase “Listen to the Land” comes from the title of one of Dr. Manley’s popular programs. It encompasses many topics reflecting the lives of those Nebraskans who have lived on this land and have helped to shape it. To apply, please complete the Listen to the Land Listen to the Land Brochure (PDF) and submit your request.
Grant open for application: September 3, 2024 – February 3, 2025
Applications due: February 3, 2025
Application review: February 4 – February 28, 2025
Announcement of grant winners: March 3, 2025
Project duration: March 3, 2025 – May 30, 2025
Final reporting: May 30, 2025
Listen to the stories of Dr. Robert Manley below.
Lesson Plans
Understanding the Basic Groups of Animals, Science – Second grade
Life as a Nebraska Pioneer, Collage Art – Third & Fourth grade
Native Americans on the Plains, History – Fourth grade
Fundamentals of Design through Art, Family Consumer Science – Secondary level
