From self-guided activities to facilitated programs and events, opportunities abound to find inspiration and connection with art, yourself, and others.

Community Programs

A man and a young girl are sitting at a table doing arts and crafts, with colored papers, markers, and scissors scattered on the table. Next to them, another man and a woman are also engaged in similar activities. The room has bright green walls with artwork displayed.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Grab a set of Art Cards with ideas to make your visit easy and fun, stop by Art Works: A Place for Curiosity for hands-on fun, sign up for a studio class, or enjoy creative family time at a special event. Young visitors can be a Museum Hero by wearing a wristband (available at the Welcome Desk) to show they are ready to protect the art.

Art-tastic Saturdays
First Saturdays of the month are for art fun! Stop by from 11 am to 2 pm for gallery activities, special presentations, and creative exploration designed for all ages.

Community organizations and performers are part of every Art-tastic Saturdays program: During Summer 2026, we’ll see performances and presentations from African Immigrant Family Services, American Midwest Ballet, Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival, Omaha Public Library, and Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. See the calendar for details.

Art Cart
On the fourth Saturday of each month, join our Gallery Volunteers from 11 am–2 pm for an engaging sensory experience with conversation, looking activities, and hands-on materials inspired by works of art. Each month, the Art Cart will be in a new gallery—look for signs in the Entry Atrium. All ages are welcome at this drop-in program. Upcoming dates: Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 22, and Sep 26.

Art Works

Teens

Looking for an inspiring place to hang out and have fun? Find your favorite spot to sketch in the galleries or make new friends in a studio program or at an event.

Mark Your Calendars: Check out an animal-themed mural created by teen artists in the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, with mentor Hugo Zamorano. The mural will be on display in the Discovery Garden—a highlight of the Aug 1 Art-tastic Saturdays and Aug 6 Nights at The Joslyn programs where the theme is “Animals in Art.” See calendar for details.

Click below for information about The Joslyn’s Kent Bellows Mentoring Program for teens.

Kent Bellows Mentoring Program

A speaker on stage delivers a presentation titled "Italy at the Center" to an audience. Two seated panelists are onstage near a screen displaying images and text. The audience watches attentively in a dimly lit auditorium.

Adults

Find fresh ways to experience The Joslyn that will stretch your intellect and imagination, offer peace, or provide some sizzle.

Nights at The Joslyn
Thursday evenings are for art immersion! Once a month, come out from 5 pm to 8 pm for gallery talks, live music, art making, special programs, and tasty food and drink (for purchase).

Community organizations and performers are part of every Nights at The Joslyn program: During Summer 2026, we’ll see performances and presentations from African Immigrant Family Services, Nebraska Arts Council, Fontenelle Forest, and Great Plains Theatre Commons. See the calendar for details.

Slow Sundays at The Joslyn
Slow Sundays happen on select Sundays, once a month. We encourage visitors to spend a peaceful, art-filled day at the Museum—sign up for a yoga class, explore the galleries, join a public tour, bring a project to the Fiber Get-Together program, and enjoy food and drink at The Durham Cafe. Upcoming dates: Jun 7, Jul 19, Aug 9, Sep 13, Oct 11, Nov 15, Dec 13. See calendar for details.

Public Tours
Join our Gallery Volunteers for a lively conversation that will engage the senses and build visual literacy skills. Drop-in program; no registration required.

Group Visits
Interested in coming to The Joslyn with a group of twelve or more adults? Plan ahead and book a self-guided visit or a guided tour. Four weeks notice required.

Learn About Group Visits

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The Joslyn collaborates with individuals and organizations throughout the metro to generate meaningful art experiences, together. Have an idea for a partnership? Please tell us about it.

VIP Visitors
VIP Visitors is a special invitation program for community groups to join in the fun at our monthly events, Art-tastic Saturdays and Nights at The Joslyn. This program offers special perks, including an at-your-location presentation, discounts, and refreshments. We thank our past VIP Visitor groups for helping us grow: Learning Community Center of South Omaha, Girls Incorporated of Omaha, Identity Preparatory Academy, and River City Mixed Chorus.

Mark Your Calendars: Gallery Talking & Photography Walking is a partnership program with The Union for Contemporary Art. It begins with a gallery conversation in Through the Lens: American Photographs from the Carter Collection at The Joslyn, and then a photography walk activity at The Union, with a chance to develop a print in their Co-Op Studios’ darkroom. Upcoming dates: Jun 27, Jul 25. See calendar for details.