By Museum of Nebraska Art
KEARNEY, Neb. — The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is proud to announce that the recently completed expansion, renovation and restoration of the museum received multiple prestigious design awards from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Receiving awards from AIA Nebraska, AIA Colorado, and AIA Central States, the building project—which reopened to the public on May 3, 2025—was recognized for exceptional architectural detail, innovation, and the successful blending of historic preservation with contemporary design.
The awards received include:
- AIA Nebraska Architectural Honor Award for Excellence in Architectural Detail
- AIA Nebraska Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture
- AIA Central States Excellence in Architecture Award
- AIA Colorado Design Award of Excellence
“These honors are more than a milestone—they affirm our vision for a museum that embraces Nebraska’s past while boldly looking toward the future,” said Andrew Dunehoo, Executive Director of MONA. “Our restored historic building and contemporary addition reflect MONA’s commitment to sustainability, community, and celebrating Nebraska’s artistic legacy.”
Designed to seamlessly connect the original 1911 Neoclassical structure with a new 23,000-square-foot expansion, the project elevates the visitor experience through increased exhibition space, a reimagined Community Studio, visible art storage, and new public gathering areas. The addition features cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, expansive natural light, enhanced accessibility, and direct connections to the revitalized sculpture garden.
The renovation also modernized essential systems—lighting, HVAC, and climate control—to support long-term art preservation while nearly doubling the museum’s exhibition capacity.
MONA extends its gratitude to its project partners who contributed to the project’s success:
- BVH Architects, architecture
- MEI, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Audio, Visual)
- Studio NYL, Structural Engineering
- Coen Partners, Landscape Design
- Miller & Associates, Civil Engineering
- Burro Happold, Lighting Design
- Sam Anderson Architects, Collection Storage Design
- Lakeside, Retail Merchandising
- Daake, Graphic Design
- DXB, Furniture Design
- MAASS, Owners Representative