Looking at art in a museum is one thing, but experiencing it up close is a whole other experience. This unique sculpture garden in Omaha is geared toward kids, but it’s lots of fun for all ages – and you even get to play with the art!

The Discovery Garden is located at Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. At the entrance to the Discovery Garden is this whimsical sculpture called Noodles & Doodles. The colorful “ribbons” are the perfect place for a game of hide-and-seek, and there’s even a recycled rubber mat on the ground to make playtime safer.

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This sweet structure is called 22½ Degrees with Crayon Tips. It looks a bit like arms reaching for the sky with a fun, colorful, kid-friendly twist. At times, temporary exhibits cycle through the outdoor space and add a new dimension to the experience.

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Folded Square Alphabet O offers an ideal place for a game of peek-a-boo. The sculpture looks different depending on the angle from which it’s viewed, creating an interesting lesson in perspective and shapes.

Joslyn Art Museum

The garden is designed to represent Creation, Inspiration, Exploration, and Education at its four corners, and in the center is Imagination. This sculpture, aptly named Pencil Bench, offers a spot to sit and rest and take in the fun views in the Discovery Garden.

Joslyn Art Museum

Metamorphosis has exaggerated features that kids find appealing. They can get up close and personal to examine all of the fine details of this stone sculpture.

Joslyn Art Museum

There are a number of ways for kids to interact with the art, such as this piece called Cubular. Kids can pick up and rearrange these thick glass blocks to create their own pixelated images; everyone can make the art piece their very own.

Joslyn Art Museum

The Discovery Garden offers a fun outdoor space that lets kids run around and explore the art on their own terms. While the inside of the museum is often reserved for quiet observation or structured classes and play time, outdoors is all about discovering the fun, interactive side of art.

Joslyn Art Museum

Admission to the outdoor sculpture gardens and the main museum is always free, though an admission fee may be required for some special exhibits inside the museum. The Discovery Garden is located on the northwest corner of the museum grounds. You can find more information on the museum’s website.

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Joslyn Art Museum

Looking for more great museum experiences? Check out these six unique museums that you’ll only find in Nebraska.

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Address: 2200 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA