While it’s certainly true that the Old Market is host to a variety of cultural experiences, it’s important to know that numerous cultural sites exist outside the confines of downtown, yet still within the Omaha metro area. Note: Hours are correct as of presstime.

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Modern Arts Midtown
3615 Dodge St. | 402.502.8737
modernartsmidtown.com
The Modern Arts Midtown gallery is full of pieces from contemporary artists within the local and regional area. They recently shifted some of their exhibited art to the main gallery to make it easier for visitors to peruse.

The gallery is open by appointment only.

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John Sautter Farmhouse
222 N. Jefferson St. | 402.679.5100
John Sautter, Jr. was a German immigrant who lived in this home from the 1860s to 1916. The Papillion Area Historical Society purchased the home in 1979 and moved it to its current location after housing developers bought the Sautter Farm. Inside the house is authentic decor and photos of the Sautter Family.

The home is open by appointment only.

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Great Plains Black History Museum
2221 N. 24th St. | 402.932.7077
gpblackhistorymuseum.org
The Great Plains Black History Museum was originally opened in the mid-1970s and is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and educating about the myriad achievements of African Americans in the Midwest and beyond.

Open for tours by appointment only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1-5 p.m.  Tours are also available for organizations by appointment.

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Czech and Slovak Educational Center and Cultural Museum
8106 S. 84th St. | 402.686.9837
@CzechAndSlovakMuseum
One of Omaha’s newest cultural areas feature exhibits honoring Nebraska’s early Czech and Slovak immigrants. According to nebraskastudies.org, between 1856 and World War I, over 50,000 Czechs chose Nebraska as their new home. This center tells their story, and also features a gift store and cafe. They host presentations on making Czech foods such as kolaches and on historical or cultural information.

The museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

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Malcolm X Memorial Foundation
3448 Evans St. | 800.645.9287
malcolmxfoundation.com
This organization teaches the community about the legacy of human rights activist Malcom X while also providing educational, family-friendly experiences along with special programs such as a community garden, radio station, and yoga classes, among others.

The site is open to the public Saturdays from noon-4 p.m. and the rest of the week by appointment, which can be scheduled by calling. 

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The Jewish Community Center of Omaha
333 S. 132nd St. | 402.334.6426
jccomaha.org
Started in 1926, the JCC offers a wide variety of social, recreational, and educational activities to the community and is home to both the Institute for Holocaust Education and the Jewish Press. The JCC has a thriving and active performing arts program along with a variety of other programs designed with the Jewish community of Omaha in mind. Last year the JCC was renamed the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center in honor of philanthropist Michael Staenberg.

The JCC is open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with weekend hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., but since these hours are primarily for the fitness center portion of the campus, visitors should consult the website for current hours of other offerings. 

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2021 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.