ArtandCulture, Lincoln

Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at The Durham Museum. Making its home in one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of our region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives and the Field Museum. https://durhammuseum.org/our-museum/

The Jesse James Birthplace Museum contains the largest collection of James family artifacts in the world. Tour the home where Jesse was born and raised alongside his also-infamous brother Frank. Jesse’s grave site at Kearney’s Mount Olivet Cemetery draws thousands of visitors each year, as does the Jesse James Festival, which takes place each September. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/jesse-james-birthplace

In 1856, the steamboat Arabia was traveling upriver to Montana with supplies needed for a small town on the Western frontier. The boat hit a snag in the Missouri River and sank near modern day Parkville. The Arabia was recovered more than a century later beneath a Kansas farm field with all of its cargo intact and in pristine condition. These artifacts are now on display at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, a one-of-a-kind establishment offering a fascinating glimpse into early Western life. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/arabia-steamboat-museum

The sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive at the American Jazz Museum. The Museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as the Blue Room, a working jazz club, and the Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/american-jazz-museum?cid=18602#sm.000184edndt4sfcyt9010c9rxvdb6

The Alexander Majors House is one only four surviving antebellum houses in Kansas City, Missouri, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1856 for the family of Alexander Majors, the house served as both a family home and as the headquarters for Majors’ successful freighting company. The Majors House was built facing westward, overlooking what was then the Kansas Territory. Originally, the Majors House had nine rooms and nine fireplaces—one in each room. It boasts original floors of virgin white pine—non-existent today. The walls were originally plastered with white lime and hog-hair. The house’s main rooms consisted of an office, parlor, and dining room on the first floor, and three bedrooms and a family parlor on the second floor. Before the rear additions were constructed in the early 1900s, the Majors family’s kitchen was a detached outbuilding or lean-to. http://www.wornallmajors.org/explore/majors-house/

Year-round, visitors can head to Independence, where they’ll find the National Frontier Trails Museum, an institution that offers an in-depth look at Kansas City’s trailblazing history, including insights into Lewis and Clark’s exploration through present-day Jackson County. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/national-frontier-trails-museum

See what a progressive farming community, spread across some 30 sloping acres, looked like in the mid-1800s. Missouri Town 1855 is composed of more than 25 buildings dating from 1820 - 1860. This living history museum uses original structures, furnishings and equipment. Also depicting the 19th Century lifestyles are interpreters in period attire, authentic field and garden crops, and rare livestock breeds. http://www.makeyourdayhere.com/missouritown

The Crown Uptown Theatre offers a variety of shows and entertainment. They are also the premier facility to hold events - meetings, weddings, receptions https://www.visitwichita.com/listing/crown-uptown-theatre/25617/#

The nation's largest professional dinner theatre features three separate theatres under one roof to enjoy spectacular Broadway musicals and comedies, served with delicious dinner. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) came to be in 1968. It was the vision of founders Herb and Carol Bloomberg to bring a “little bit of Broadway to the Midwest.” They loved traveling to New York to enjoy great Broadway productions and felt audiences deserved a quality musical theatre experience here in the Twin Cities. They acquired land in Chanhassen, Minnesota, a tiny rural community with a population of less than 500 people. The 90,000 square foot dinner theatre was built on what was then cornfields and countryside. At its core Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is about Entertaining YOU! So whether you are coming with a group, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, having a date night or enjoying an evening with good friends, It’s the place where generation after generation comes to make lasting memories. And that’s its proudest accomplishment. https://www.chanhassendt.com/Online/default.asp

Fondly nicknamed the “Old Lady on Brady,” this 100-year-old theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and has played host to countless big-name performers, including Journey, Kansas, B.B. King, Will Rogers, Robin Williams and Randy Travis. Today, it anchors the bustling Brady Arts District and stands as one of the greatest monuments to Tulsa’s rich cultural heritage. http://www.visittulsa.com/listings/Brady-Theater/699/

Saint Paul’s last true island, Raspberry Island is a beautiful site visitors can enjoy day or night along the Riverwalk pathway. Raspberry Island is a little gem of tranquility that allows for escape outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring music in the park throughout the summer season at its stunning illuminated band shell, Raspberry Island is an unforgettable location for weddings, celebrations and musical performances. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/raspberry-island/

Minnesota's official museum of natural history since 1872. Coming in summer 2018 to the St. Paul campus, the new Bell Museum brings together science, art, and the environment with a unique Minnesota perspective. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/bell-museum/

Anyone serious about the visual arts has to head over to The Paseo, Oklahoma City’s historic arts district. The area is home to more than 22 galleries that feature the work of approximately 80 artists. The first Friday of every month, all the galleries are open from 6 to 10 p.m. for the monthly Art Walk. The district has grown rapidly over the past several years, and that trend seems to be continuing. New restaurants are going in, and more shopping options are popping up, making The Paseo a destination in its own right. https://www.visitokc.com/about-okc/okc-districts/paseo-arts-district/

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art, located in the heart of the downtown Arts District, has a permanent collection consisting of European and American art. The Special Exhibition Gallery offers visitors national and international exhibitions. The Noble Theater screens independent, foreign and classic films. The Museum Café offers French-fusion cuisine amid the metropolitan ambiance of downtown. http://www.okcmoa.com/

The Civic Center Music Hall is owned and operated by the City of Oklahoma City and is nationally recognized as one of the country's premier acoustic performing arts facilities. Inside our doors are three theatres, a grand reception hall, multiple suites and smaller rental facilities. https://okcciviccenter.com/your-visit/about-us

Powell Hall, home of the St. Louis Symphony, is the place to be in St. Louis for music. With it's marvelous acoustics, the classical, holiday, solo and special event concerts at Powell are second to none. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/saint-louis-symphony-powell-hall/

St. Louis' oldest brick home is located just five minutes from the Gateway Arch. Enjoy the original participatory comedy/murder mystery served with a four-course meal to DIE for on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Private shows available any day/evening including weekends. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/bissell-mansion-restaurant-and-dinner-theatre/?see_do_category=attractions

Discover Wisconsin’s only Equity Dinner Theatre featuring Broadway musicals and original revues, celebrating 39 seasons of professional theatre in Fort Atkinson. You’ll also enjoy memorable dining, friendly service, and beautiful gift shops. Nationally recognized as America’s Best Restaurant Family in 2006, we’re proud to celebrate 52 years of Klopcic Family hospitality. https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/members/fireside-dinner-theater/

The Forney Museum of Transportation is a one-of-a-kind collection of over 600 artifacts relating to historical transportation. It began 60 years ago with a single 1921 Kissel, but soon expanded to include vehicles of all kinds. Today it includes not just vehicles, but also buggies, motorcycles, steam locomotives, aircraft, carriages, rail equipment, fire apparatus, public transportation, sleighs, bicycles, toys and diecast models, vintage apparel and much, much more! http://www.forneymuseum.org/

The Denver Art Museum's Hamilton Building is an architectural work of art. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, it will change the way you experience art and architecture. Explore the Museum's galleries showcasing a world-famous American Indian art collection, as well as art from around the world. Family programs, traveling special exhibitions, Museum Shop, on-site restaurants and spectacular event spaces. https://www.denver.org/listing/denver-art-museum/3817/

Clyfford Still is considered one of the most important American artists of the 20th century and an originator of the Abstract Expressionism movement. With more than 3,000 artworks in the collection, the award-winning Clyfford Still Museum is the home to 95% of Still's artworks. Unlike any other museum experience, the Clyfford Still Museum features an entire life in paintings. https://www.denver.org/listing/clyfford-still-museum/7316/

Broadway In Chicago is the source for terrific seats to the most exciting shows in Chicago’s bustling Downtown Theater District. On the stages of the James M. Nederlander Theatre, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, the CIBC Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre and the Broadway Playhouse, you will discover theater productions direct from Broadway and world premieres of productions destined for Broadway. Broadway theater will ignite your night on the town and put you in the middle of the excitement of Chicago tourism. Broadway In Chicago makes it easy to get the best seats available plus provides unique visitor and tourism offerings for a very special theater experience. Go behind the scenes with Broadway In Chicago’s Historic Theatre tours. For a truly memorable night at the theatre, be sure to include the luxurious amenities of Broadway In Chicago’s Suite Service. https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/

With 25 acres of awe-inspiring landscape, breathtaking architecture and an iconic collection of public art, Millennium Park is Chicago’s premier green space. Millennium Park celebrated its 10th anniversary season in 2014 and continues to present dozens of free events and programs including art installations, outdoor concerts, films screenings, alfresco workouts and more. https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/parks-and-outdoors/millennium-park/

Ayzha Fine Arts Gallery & Boutique promotes original multicultural art and specializes in art of the African Diaspora. The mission of Ayzha Fine Arts includes advancing and supporting master, mid-career, and emerging artists of all ethnic backgrounds, locally and nationally. Services Ayzha Fine Arts coordinates exhibitions at galleries, trade shows and public institutions, as well as corporate and private events. The Gallery also host Artist Salons. https://ayzhafineartsgallery.com/

The Milwaukee Art Museum collects and preserves art, presenting it to the community as a vital source of inspiration and education.30,000 works of art. 400,000+ visitors a year. 125 years of collecting art. From its roots in Milwaukee’s first art gallery in 1888, the Museum has grown today to be an icon for Milwaukee and a resource for the entire state. https://mam.org/info/

The Black Cat Alley is an outdoor art gallery located in a private alley on the East Side. This unique street art destination was developed by a group of community members and artists back in 2015-2016 in partnership with Wallpapered City LLC, and sponsored by the East Side BID. It now contains 21 murals by 24 artists from Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Columbus and even Berlin. https://blackcatmke.com/

Had it not been for Stax Records founder meeting Memphis music icon Rufus Thomas soon after he started his fledgling Satellite Records in 1957, Stax Records might never have become the soul and R&B powerhouse that it came to be. http://www.memphistravel.com/soulsville-stax-museum-back-better-ever

The Pink Palace Family of Museums refreshingly doesn’t focus on any one medium or aspect of Memphis culture. It gives visitors an in-depth and unique look at just about everything there is to know about the Mid-South, from cultural and natural history to region-shaping industries and rare oddities. http://www.memphistravel.com/pink-palace-museum-theater-planetarium

The Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting institution presenting the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Our innovative and timely exhibitions, education and public programs, immersive activities, and community happenings actively engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences of art, culture, and society. In 1976, a City of Aspen vote led to the acquisition and development of an out-of-use building at 590 North Mill Street that became the Aspen Art Museum’s first home until 2014. Built in 1888, the Hunter Creek Power Plant first served the city’s silver mining operations while also enabling Aspen to be the first city west of the Mississippi to have streetlights powered by hydroelectric energy. Supporting a recommendation that an art space would offer the most creative and adaptive community service, the City assisted efforts to rehabilitate the disused structure. By November 1977, the Aspen Center for the Visual Arts (ACVA) was incorporated within the state of Colorado, and in August 1978, the ACVA board selected its first director, Philip Yenawine. https://www.aspenartmuseum.org/about

Constructed in the late 1800s by business tycoon Jerome Wheeler, this opera house has been a major source of entertainment in the Roaring Fork Valley for more than a century. Today, this performance venue remains an Aspen gem, featuring Victorian architecture, beautiful decor and a stunning electric chandelier. The theater still hosts regular events ranging from concerts to film screenings to plays, and according to recent travelers, you shouldn't turn down the chance to catch a show here. Visitors love the small, intimate theater and say that it makes for a cozy atmosphere with great acoustics. The Wheeler Opera House doesn't offer tours, but travelers suggest stopping in for a quick peek, even if you don't have time to see a show. https://travel.usnews.com/Aspen_CO/Things_To_Do/Wheeler_Opera_House_61922/

Anderson Ranch is home to one of the most respected visual arts programs in the country. Located on a 5-acre historic mountain ranch in Snowmass Village, the Ranch offers over 140 Summer Workshops for artists of all ages and levels in Photography & New Media, Ceramics, Painting & Drawing, Furniture Design & Woodworking, Sculpture, Woodturning, and Printmaking. Summertime Children's and Teen Workshops are also available. The Ranch has art galleries with a full exhibition schedule and Art Works gift shop. The Ranch cafe is open in the summer for lunch. Winter and Spring Artist-in-Residence Programs are available for emerging and established artists to further their artistic practice. Field Expeditions and Studio Concentrations available. Public events are free and offered year-round. https://www.colorado.com/art-galleries/anderson-ranch-arts-center

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located in the former Texas School Book Depository where significant evidence of a sniper was found following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Museum presents the social and political landscape of the early 1960s, chronicles President Kennedy's assassination and its aftermath, and reflects upon his lasting impact on our country and world. https://www.jfk.org/

Live theatre is alive and well in Indianapolis and there is talent around every corner in the city. From traditional Shakespeare at the Indiana Repertory Theatre to the eclectic and quirky spirit of IndyFringe, there are performances for everyone to enjoy. https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-indy-theatre