Schools & Educators

The Museum is currently closed for a transformative restoration, renovation and expansion project.


Miles to MONA – Funding for your School Visit

Thanks to generous donors, funding is available on a first come/first serve basis to reimburse transportation costs for a class visit. Schools are eligible to receive 100% funding, up to $500. To apply, please call MONA to make arrangements for a school tour. After your visit, submit the Miles to MONA  Miles to MONA Request Form  (PDF) accompanied by a school invoice listing final expenses.


MONA Tours

School tours use the learning method of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), and MONA is the only Nebraska art museum to exclusively use this approach. VTS has been proven to increase knowledge of art, improve critical thinking skills, instill higher tolerance and empathy levels, and create a desire to return to art museums.

VTS encourages individualism and critical engagement, there is no right answer, and art objects present the perfect opportunity for this kind of engagement. Research has shown exposure to VTS produces lasting results.

Miles to MONA – Funding is available to offset transportation costs. Schools are eligible to receive 100% funding, up to $500. To apply, please complete our Miles to MONA Request Form (PDF) and submit your request. For more information: (308) 865-8559.


Learning Days – Enhancing your School Visit

Students participate in an interactive tour, studio art activity, and an optional creative writing lesson. Three-week advance notice is required; student number is limited to 50 students. Cost is $125 for three activities and $100 for two activities. To apply, please complete the Learning Day Learning Day Registration Form (PDF) and submit your request. For more information: (308) 865-8559.

Learning Day Funding – Limited funding is available to help offset the school’s costs. To apply, please complete the Learning Day Funding Form (PDF) and submit your request. For more information: (308) 865-8559.

Miles to MONA – Funding is available to offset transportation costs. Schools are eligible to receive 100% funding, up to $500. To apply, please complete our Miles to MONA Request Form (PDF) and submit your request. For more information: (308) 865-8559.


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.

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