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Council hears supporters for Omaha Children’s Museum relocation and redevelopment agreement
Summary
Museum leaders told council a redevelopment agreement would allow a new, purpose-built Omaha Children's Museum at 8th and Douglas with improved accessibility, partnerships with design firms and a target opening in late 2027; councilmembers expressed strong support.
Leaders of the Omaha Children's Museum and the Omaha Children's Trust urged the City Council to approve a redevelopment agreement that would lease city land at 8th & Douglas for a new museum building and allow the organization to invest more in the project.
Fawn Taylor, CEO of the Omaha Children's Museum, described the organization’s nearly 50‑year history and said the new facility will be larger, more accessible and designed for children of all abilities. "We want to do more," Taylor said, asking the council to approve ordinance 44,095 and support the museum’s redevelopment.
Susan Labens, representing the Omaha Children’s Trust, described fundraising and partnerships with Snohetta and Alley Poynter Marquette Architecture on the design and noted the museum would continue in its current location until the new facility opens, planned for late 2027. Labens said the redevelopment agreement allows the museum to lease city land so private funds can be concentrated on building and programming.
Councilmembers praised the project and thanked museum leaders; several said they expect to support the redevelopment agreement at a subsequent vote. No opponents spoke at the public hearing.
