Lincoln’s Creative Canvas

by Sriyani Tidball • photos by Tom Tidball

Art Galleries That Inspire

When you think of Lincoln, Nebraska, your mind may go to football, festivals, or fine dining. But take a slower stroll through the city, and you’ll discover a quieter, more contemplative scene — the vibrant and ever-evolving world of visual art. Whether nestled inside historic buildings or found on a university campus, Lincoln’s galleries are testaments to the city’s artistic soul. From contemporary installations and fiber arts to photography, painting, sculpture, and even miniature design, the city offers a creative experience for every kind of art lover.

Each First Friday of the month, Lincoln’s galleries open their doors for extended hours and special events, welcoming visitors to enjoy new exhibitions and meet artists. Many galleries participate in community outreach, education, and hands-on classes. A few require appointments or have seasonal hours, so it’s best to check ahead before visiting.

photo by Tom Tidball

Here are some of the city’s most compelling galleries and art spaces:

Sheldon Museum of Art

Anchoring downtown Lincoln at 12th and R streets, the Sheldon Museum of Art is not only one of Nebraska’s most prominent art venues — it’s also a national treasure. Housed in a stunning building designed by famed architect Philip Johnson, the museum boasts nearly 13,000 works from the University of Nebraska and Sheldon Art Association collections. Expect to see American masterpieces by artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock. Beyond its permanent collection, the Sheldon hosts rotating exhibitions, educational events, and outdoor sculpture installations. Visit: sheldonartmuseum.org

International Quilt Museum

Located on East Campus at 33rd and Holdrege, this museum is a colorful, global celebration of quilt-making as both a folk tradition and fine art. Made possible by the Robert and Ardis James Foundation, the International Quilt Museum holds the world’s most extensive publicly held quilt collection. Exhibits showcase exquisite textile work from multiple continents and centuries. It’s a must-see, even if you’ve never threaded a needle.  Visit: internationalquiltmuseum.org

Great Plains Art Museum

Also situated on the UNL campus, the Great Plains Art Museum explores the heritage and natural beauty of the American West. Its Christlieb Collection features artwork by legends such as Frederic Remington and Albert Bierstadt, while contemporary exhibitions highlight Native American art, photography, and modern expressions of prairie life. Located at 12th and Q streets, it offers free admission and a deeply rooted Nebraska perspective. Visit: unl.edu/plains/great-plains-art-museum

Gallery 9

Tucked into a charming courtyard at 124 S. Ninth Street, Gallery 9 is a cooperative space featuring around 30 resident artists. The Mission Arts Building it inhabits has its own intriguing history — formerly a brothel and then a city mission. Today, it’s alive with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. Visitors enjoy a cozy and intimate browsing experience, often having the opportunity to meet the artists themselves. Visit: gallerynine.com

The LUX Center for the Arts

Located at 2601 N. 48th Street in the University Place neighborhood, the LUX Center is a dynamic nonprofit that serves as both a gallery and an arts education hub. Classes in ceramics, fiber arts, glass, and jewelry are offered for all ages. The center is known for its summer art safaris, public art murals, and First Friday events.
Visit: luxcenter.org

The Eisentrager Howard Gallery

Found in Richards Hall on the UNL campus, this gallery features cutting-edge work by faculty, students, and guest artists from the Department of Art and Art History. Its exhibitions reflect emerging trends, experimental forms, and new voices in the art world. Visit: arts.unl.edu/art/eisentrager-howard-gallery

Kruger Collection of Miniature Furnishings

Inside the College of Architecture, located at 10th and R streets, is a whimsical and scholarly treasure—the Kruger Collection. It includes more than 20,000 miniatures spanning four centuries, offering insight into the history of interior design and craftsmanship in miniature scale. Visit: krugercollection.unl.edu

Kiechel Fine Art

This polished gallery, located at 1208 O Street, specializes in 19th- and 20th-century American art, as well as contemporary and regional work. Kiechel represents big names like Thomas Hart Benton and provides appraisal, consultation, and estate services. Visit: kiechelart.com

Burkholder Project

Located in the Haymarket District at 719 P Street, the Burkholder Project features 36 art and design studios across three levels. Founded by artist Anne Burkholder, the space allows visitors to meet artists, observe work in progress, and shop directly from the creators. It’s a living, breathing gallery experience that celebrates local talent. Visit: burkholderproject.com

Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery

Upstairs in the Home Economics Building on East Campus, this gallery features wearable art and textiles from global cultures. It showcases both traditional and avant-garde design, offering an academic yet accessible perspective on textile art. Visit: cehs.unl.edu/textilegallery

Parrish Studios

Parrish Studios, located at 1410 O Street, is a creative collective that includes photography studios, retail boutiques, galleries, and spaces for emerging artists. It comes alive during First Fridays with vibrant crowds and experimental displays. Visit: parrishproject.com/studios

Noyes Art Gallery

With over 125 member artists, the Noyes Art Gallery, located at 119 S. 9th Street, is a community mainstay. A co-op model keeps original artworks affordable and the lineup fresh. The gallery also curates an outdoor exhibition each fall at the Sunken Gardens.  Visit: noyesartgallery.com

Live Yes Studios and Gallery

This heart-centered space, located at 1233 Arapahoe Street, seamlessly blends social impact with artistic expression. Live Yes provides a creative outlet for adults with developmental disabilities, offering art as a means to foster inclusion, self-expression, and community engagement. Visit: liveyesstudios.com

Metro Gallery

Curated by artist and mental health advocate Dean Settle, the Metro Gallery (1316 N Street, Suite 101) offers an eclectic mix of professional, outsider, and emerging art. This intimate space rotates shows monthly and is a beloved stop on the First Friday circuit.  Visit: metrogallerynebraska.com

Tugboat Gallery

Run by artists and for artists, Tugboat Gallery, located at 116 N. 14th Street, is renowned for its experimental spirit and inclusivity. Exhibits often feature performance, installation, and mixed-media work that challenges conventional boundaries.

Lincoln’s art galleries tell stories of identity, imagination, and inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, these creative spaces
offer a chance to pause, reflect, and engage with the world through a new lens. So mark your calendar for the next First Friday — or wander in on a quiet afternoon — and rediscover the city through its artists.