Kiewit Luminarium (Riverfront Science Museum)

[MTO]

Apparently they included some space for a cafe. Liquor license request for “Fig” here

Fig has opened in the Kiewit Luminarium. Same owners as Lola's in Dundee.
https://www.figomaha.com/

Is the cafe accessible without having to pay museum admission?

Yes

[legato9]

Went today.

Pretty good architecture. Very busy.

I think it’ll be a good addition to Omaha. It’ll draw people. That was my biggest hope for it - that it’ll bring people downtown and spur more development.

I won’t go again, though. It’s basically a giant playground.

There were some cool things to see once, but I don’t think anything there has much replay value. Everything is very, very simple - likely so it appeals to small children. I mean, I know how many pounds I can pull now. I doubt that’ll change much. And I don’t think I probably need to spin a weighted pendulum again.

I wouldn’t recommend it to my childless out-of-town friends (which is most of them). But I have a couple friends with babies. I might suggest it to them when their kids are like five.

All that said, people who care about Omaha should probably go once. It’s nice to see another kind of cool building go up. And they can be proud of the work they did for kids.

If you have small kids, you should definitely go. They seemed to be having a blast!

(There was a guy there wearing a rare pair of Jordan 1 OG high-tops. That was definitely a highlight. If he’s there again, that’s a possible bonus. )

[skinzfan23]

Yes, you can go to the cafe without admission to the museum

[Louie]

I’d have to assume that they will be rotating/changing exhibits over time like most museums?

[Omaha Cowboy]

I’d have to assume that they will be rotating/changing exhibits over time like most museums?

Yes they will. This insinuation that an adult should go, but only once, because you will see all you need to see..is simply not the case, nor will it be the case moving forward. The Luminarium’s exhibits are are not all “fixed”..There will be moving parts-

“Bringing a needed amenity to Omaha — at the perfect time

When looking at Omaha’s range of cultural attractions, from arenas to arts centers to museums and the zoo, a science museum has long been a gap on the landscape.
Most of the other major cities in the Midwest — have long had science museums.
They are often referred to as “science centers” or “discovery centers” because their exhibits aren’t static, providing hands-on and interactive ways for visitors to explore science and technology.
“These are places that connect science and society and support lifelong science learning and science engagement,” said Christofer Nelson, president of the Association of Science and Technology Centers in Washington, D.C.

One of the biggest frustrations for visitors at any interactive museum is attractions that are on the fritz. In partnership with Metropolitan Community College, the Luminarium features a repair shop where exhibits can be fixed or tuned up and quickly returned to the floor.
In Raker’s vision, that same shop is also where a development team will one day create future exhibits that after debuting in Omaha would be sent out as traveling exhibits to other science museums around the country.

It’s another example of the Luminarium’s world-class ambitions.”..

https://kiewitluminarium.org/riverfront ... ccessible/

“Pointdexter said she plans to visit regularly and said she appreciates that memberships are reasonably priced and that the museum also offers adult-only nights.”..

https://kiewitluminarium.org/bright-and ... uminarium/


Ciao..LiO…Peace

[legato9]

I love that Omaha has the place. I hope it’s wildly successful. But, come on. That place is for kids.

I was at the Royal Institute in London last week. Caught a phenomenal lecture on cosmology, saw the world’s first electric generator among other scientific treasures. That was not for kids.

The Luminarium is a really nice playground. (I think it’s no coincidence that the playground of the new park is about 10m from the Luminarium entrance). Hopefully it gets some kids curious about science. That would be a great accomplishment. Hopefully it draws tons of people downtown. Another great accomplishment.

I just cannot see a universe in which many adults without kids go there with any regularity.

I took a girl there with me. I taught her a bit about frequency and amplitude at the guitar string exhibit and a bit about relativity at the “heat and motion” exhibit. Neither of those exhibits said a word about either topic. Which isn’t surprising….because the place is for kids.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Sure it’s a place for young people to explore, gain interest and learn more about all that is science..

But it is NOT a place just for kids- and that’s also not the way it is being marketed either. So that comment comes across as a bit dismissive- especially for a brand new science museum which the $107 million cost was privately funded. We should be grateful the philanthropic community in Omaha has made such a deep commitment.. I’m not saying you’re not; but your review of the place really smacks as a “back handed compliment”- akin to a person working in my office telling me “Cowboy, you’re my favorite male manager in our office”.. But alas, I am also the ONLY male manager in our office, lol..

That the Luminarium has not lost sight on the fact that adults are interested in science, and that it’s an ever evolving learning process, AND has specific adult only nights, shows the effort of not being boxed in and ticking all the boxes..

And let’s face it- The Royal Institute in London? You’re trying to hold the Luminarium up to that standard? C’mon man..The place has only been open for 2 weeks. Give it a chance …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[legato9]

It’s not a back-handed compliment. I hope they bring 75 bazillion dollars and people to Omaha. I really do. I think it’s great for Omaha.

But it’s for kids.

I did the eyeball test.

I also did the “get pushed out of the way by six little kids every time I try to look at something” test.

I had fun checking it out. A lot of the stuff was really nice. But really. Have you been there? There’s no science there beyond like a sixth grade level. It’s going to have almost no replay value for an adult.

And it’s completely overrun with little kids.

These are not bad things. Not at all. Some people have kids. Some people *are* kids. Those people need stuff to do. This is one great option for them.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I appreciate your eyeball test feedback!..

But I’ll say, this is not the way the place is being totally marketed- being “for kids only”..and arriving at that conclusion now, after the place has been open for barely 2 weeks, is a pretty snap judgement conclusion imo..

Give this place the chance to grow some legs- maybe go back a year from now, and let us know if your eye test has made an adjustment ..

PS- yes I have been there, in fact, just left the place. Yes there were kids- a lot of them. But the adults were having just as much fun (bring your wallet if you plan to eat at “Fig” though). Again, give this place some time to grow its legs. I didn’t get the impression it’s just for kids..and plan on going to an “Adult Only” Thursday evening ($20 bucks for the ticket) soon…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[legato9]

Of course the adults were having fun. Parents like to see their kids have a good time. So I’m sure parents will like it vicariously.

They do the same thing with kids movies. They try to make them at least tolerable for the parents to watch as well.

They can market it however they want. Fyre Festival was marketed as a glamorous luxury festival. But…yeah…not so much.

There is no way - no way - childless adults make up more than a trivial share of membership sales after a year. If they release their demographics of membership sales to childless adults and they even crack the double digits of membership sales, I’ll come up with some way to publicly shame myself for my crappy prediction.

That said, I bet they get a lot of one-offs. Childless visitors from out of town will probably check it out once. Locals like me will check it out once.

And I bet hella many people with kids get memberships.

So I bet it’ll do well. I hope it does!

[MadJack]

My guess is that they'll periodically have lectures or special educational/enrichment events geared for adults. They have space it in the building.

[legato9]

My guess is that they'll periodically have lectures or special educational/enrichment events geared for adults. They have space it in the building.

If they did a lecture series for adults, that would be phenomenal.

I just attended a cosmology lecture at the Royal Institute in London, and it was utterly fantastic. I was looking at RI’s schedule of upcoming lectures and thought to myself, “I would be here damn near every week if I lived in London.”

If the Luminarium would do something like that, I’d be there constantly (assuming they had great lectures and presenters).

[Omaha Cowboy]

My guess is that they'll periodically have lectures or special educational/enrichment events geared for adults. They have space it in the building.

If they did a lecture series for adults, that would be phenomenal.

I just attended a cosmology lecture at the Royal Institute in London, and it was utterly fantastic. I was looking at RI’s schedule of upcoming lectures and thought to myself, “I would be here damn near every week if I lived in London.”

If the Luminarium would do something like that, I’d be there constantly (assuming they had great lectures and presenters).

Well there you go- again, it’s only been open for 2 weeks- give it time to grow its legs..

For the record, I did see adults there this afternoon without kids, and they were having what appeared to be a great time as well- (Imagine that )..

Your “crappy” (and snappy) prediction may not turn out to be true either, as a $100.00 single adult membership is pretty darn inexpensive for a nice and interesting science museum such as this..

We shall see on that front…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[thenewguy]

I just hope everyone has fun.

[OmahaRedWing]

I know in the title of this thread it says (Riverfront Science Museum), but is it being advertised that way?

The reason I ask, is that if I am from out of town and just saw Kiewit Luminarium, I would not have a clue what it was. Is that a common way to refer to such museums?

[Louie]

I know in the title of this thread it says (Riverfront Science Museum), but is it being advertised that way?

The reason I ask, is that if I am from out of town and just saw Kiewit Luminarium, I would not have a clue what it was. Is that a common way to refer to such museums?

I think it is, however, it's a very uncommon style of museum. I'm curious if the goal is to make that word synonymous with this specific museum.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I’ll go but I’m not paying I’m sneaking in

[Ben]

My guess is that they'll periodically have lectures or special educational/enrichment events geared for adults. They have space it in the building.

They have planned a once a month Thursday night adults only night, where they have music and drinks... From what I've been told by people that have been to the original Exploratorium in SF, its a well attended night, and quite the singles scene.

[thenewguy]

Alright, we made our first visit to the luminarium yesterday and it was great. The fit-and-finish of the building is wonderful. There is obviously a ton of interaction to be had and the exhibits are nice. Not necessarily anything that blew me away in terms of 'omg, I've never seen anything like this before,' but for kids, some of it was very engaging/mind blowing (e.g. the concave dishes across from each other where you can hear each other from 50 feet apart). We, as adults, thought the rock bed/sound exhibit was fun, and would be a blast with a couple beers in ya ;) Upstairs, the model of different cells was really cool, definitely shows how tiny things are compared to a human hair. All of the exhibits were written well, making it easy for parents to explain it to their kids, but not dumbed down so much that it seemed amateur.

It was naturally pretty busy, but there's enough going on that it wasn't like groups were centered around just a few cool things, and everywhere else was sparse. My kids were able to run around to different things and basically be visible to us at about all times. They loved the geometry playground upstairs. The water fountains had really cold water, the bathrooms are very nice. The railing on the stairs is slightly smaller in diameter than traditional railing, so it was easier to grasp, especially if you are a younger child. The lighting is well done, and the stairs are illuminated from the underside of the railing so it is kind of a calming effect. The views of the river are great, it will be awesome when the urban beach and playground are all done, because the area will really be a hub of activity both inside and out for years to come.

As an adult, I'd go back for sure, but not as often if I didn't have kids. That's not to say it is specifically aimed at children, but I think children are going to be the big driver of repeat visits and that's 100% ok. Even for adults, the luminarium kind of makes you forget that you are one for a little while, and that is what makes it fun for grown-ups, too.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Alright, we made our first visit to the luminarium yesterday and it was great. The fit-and-finish of the building is wonderful. There is obviously a ton of interaction to be had and the exhibits are nice. Not necessarily anything that blew me away in terms of 'omg, I've never seen anything like this before,' but for kids, some of it was very engaging/mind blowing (e.g. the concave dishes across from each other where you can hear each other from 50 feet apart). We, as adults, thought the rock bed/sound exhibit was fun, and would be a blast with a couple beers in ya ;) Upstairs, the model of different cells was really cool, definitely shows how tiny things are compared to a human hair. All of the exhibits were written well, making it easy for parents to explain it to their kids, but not dumbed down so much that it seemed amateur.

It was naturally pretty busy, but there's enough going on that it wasn't like groups were centered around just a few cool things, and everywhere else was sparse. My kids were able to run around to different things and basically be visible to us at about all times. They loved the geometry playground upstairs. The water fountains had really cold water, the bathrooms are very nice. The railing on the stairs is slightly smaller in diameter than traditional railing, so it was easier to grasp, especially if you are a younger child. The lighting is well done, and the stairs are illuminated from the underside of the railing so it is kind of a calming effect. The views of the river are great, it will be awesome when the urban beach and playground are all done, because the area will really be a hub of activity both inside and out for years to come.

As an adult, I'd go back for sure, but not as often if I didn't have kids. That's not to say it is specifically aimed at children, but I think children are going to be the big driver of repeat visits and that's 100% ok. Even for adults, the luminarium kind of makes you forget that you are one for a little while, and that is what makes it fun for grown-ups, too.

Excellent review..

And I agree with your point that children are going to be a big driver of repeat visits..

But as an adult, there is quite a bit enough there to peak interest; and the Thursday adult only nights I can’t wait to partake in. I especially agree with your comment that many of the exhibits there, make you forget you’re an adult and make the “kid” come out..

Good stuff!…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Renovator2559]

Sure it’s a place for young people to explore, gain interest and learn more about all that is science..

But it is NOT a place just for kids- and that’s also not the way it is being marketed either. So that comment comes across as a bit dismissive- especially for a brand new science museum which the $107 million cost was privately funded. We should be grateful the philanthropic community in Omaha has made such a deep commitment.. I’m not saying you’re not; but your review of the place really smacks as a “back handed compliment”- akin to a person working in my office telling me “Cowboy, you’re my favorite male manager in our office”.. But alas, I am also the ONLY male manager in our office, lol..

That the Luminarium has not lost sight on the fact that adults are interested in science, and that it’s an ever evolving learning process, AND has specific adult only nights, shows the effort of not being boxed in and ticking all the boxes..

And let’s face it- The Royal Institute in London? You’re trying to hold the Luminarium up to that standard? C’mon man..The place has only been open for 2 weeks. Give it a chance …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Let's not forget that the Kiewit Luminarium has adult only nights on Thursdays. I'm curious what kind of activities make Adult nights at the Luminarium for adults?

[Louie]

Sure it’s a place for young people to explore, gain interest and learn more about all that is science..

But it is NOT a place just for kids- and that’s also not the way it is being marketed either. So that comment comes across as a bit dismissive- especially for a brand new science museum which the $107 million cost was privately funded. We should be grateful the philanthropic community in Omaha has made such a deep commitment.. I’m not saying you’re not; but your review of the place really smacks as a “back handed compliment”- akin to a person working in my office telling me “Cowboy, you’re my favorite male manager in our office”.. But alas, I am also the ONLY male manager in our office, lol..

That the Luminarium has not lost sight on the fact that adults are interested in science, and that it’s an ever evolving learning process, AND has specific adult only nights, shows the effort of not being boxed in and ticking all the boxes..

And let’s face it- The Royal Institute in London? You’re trying to hold the Luminarium up to that standard? C’mon man..The place has only been open for 2 weeks. Give it a chance …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Let's not forget that the Kiewit Luminarium has adult only nights on Thursdays. I'm curious what kind of activities make Adult nights at the Luminarium for adults?

Booze

[Omaha Cowboy]

Sure it’s a place for young people to explore, gain interest and learn more about all that is science..

But it is NOT a place just for kids- and that’s also not the way it is being marketed either. So that comment comes across as a bit dismissive- especially for a brand new science museum which the $107 million cost was privately funded. We should be grateful the philanthropic community in Omaha has made such a deep commitment.. I’m not saying you’re not; but your review of the place really smacks as a “back handed compliment”- akin to a person working in my office telling me “Cowboy, you’re my favorite male manager in our office”.. But alas, I am also the ONLY male manager in our office, lol..

That the Luminarium has not lost sight on the fact that adults are interested in science, and that it’s an ever evolving learning process, AND has specific adult only nights, shows the effort of not being boxed in and ticking all the boxes..

And let’s face it- The Royal Institute in London? You’re trying to hold the Luminarium up to that standard? C’mon man..The place has only been open for 2 weeks. Give it a chance …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Let's not forget that the Kiewit Luminarium has adult only nights on Thursdays. I'm curious what kind of activities make Adult nights at the Luminarium for adults?

Booze

That and some fantastic exhibits for sure. Can’t wait to attend one soon …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[DrPorkchop]

I agree with previous reviews. The exhibits were basic and really not impressive. I have a family membership to support, but the zoo sets the bar extremely high. I hope they have something really strong coming soon.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I agree with previous reviews. The exhibits were basic and really not impressive. I have a family membership to support, but the zoo sets the bar extremely high. I hope they have something really strong coming soon.

What previous reviews? Explain, specifically, what exhibits were “really not impressive”..

Comparing the zoo with the Luminarium doesn’t make much sense imo…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Dusty]

I came back to Omaha to visit family. I had time to visit the Luminarium. Very impressive. Lots of different exhibits to look at and engage with. Definitely all ages going here. You don't need to have kids to learn and have fun.

I'm curious if they plan on rotating some exhibits in and out to keep it fresh and new. The Childrens Museum and Durham does this. They have their permanent displays and seasonal or traveling displays to keep you coming back.

[OmahaRedWing]

Does anyone know if you can just go eat at the restaurant without having to pay admission? Also any reviews on the food there?

[skinzfan23]

Does anyone know if you can just go eat at the restaurant without having to pay admission? Also any reviews on the food there?

You can eat there without going to the museum. They have an outside entrance I believe. If not, you can just tell them at the counter inside the museum.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I came back to Omaha to visit family. I had time to visit the Luminarium. Very impressive. Lots of different exhibits to look at and engage with. Definitely all ages going here. You don't need to have kids to learn and have fun.

I'm curious if they plan on rotating some exhibits in and out to keep it fresh and new. The Childrens Museum and Durham does this. They have their permanent displays and seasonal or traveling displays to keep you coming back.

I miss when the Durham had actual exhibits like they did in the 2000s. The one about racism that had actual artifacts had such an impact on me as a kid. Now every exhibit is touch screen “interactive display!” |expletive| that doesn’t have any meaning.

[nativeomahan]

No actual exhibits at the Durham? I don’t think you’ve been to the Durham recently. The traveling Mandela exhibit was quite moving. I also enjoyed the Downton Abby inspired exhibit before it, as well as several others in the past year or two. The museum has really mixed it up with a wide variety of traveling exhibits, each one unique.

[thenewguy]

they definitely have had some exhibits come through, my kids have had field trips there

[ita]

Looks like they are hosting a traveling installation.

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php/?photo ... 7371933891

[thenewguy]

I'd love to see what their attendance numbers have been. I've never been there when it wasn't bustling, and we tried to go Friday but it was too busy (the times they had available didn't work in our favor, so we had to go Sunday). The front desk folks said they had broken records consecutively for attendance each day of the week up until Friday, and made mention of almost 2,000 reservations from pass holders the day before. Granted, that's not backed up by any data I'm aware of, but seemingly this place has been a success. We even played outside and walked along the river, even though it was pretty chilly. Such a great way to spend a couple hours, and the kids freakin love it

[skinzfan23]

That is good to hear, we have been meaning to go back and glad to see that it has continued to stay busy.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was there this past Friday afternoon..

The Luminarium and also the outside park area was full of folks- adults and children, enjoying this amenity..The place was popping..

The Luminarium is a fantastic addition to our downtown, city and metropolitan area!…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[skinzfan23]

Story in the OWH stated that attendance for its first full year was over 260,000, which far exceeded expectations.

Good to hear!

[ita]

Story in the OWH stated that attendance for its first full year was over 260,000, which far exceeded expectations.

Good to hear!

Decent article on the first year of the Luminarium. Here's the link: https://omaha.com/news/local/business/o ... -top-story

This was good for chuckle though:

The biggest downgrade the Luminarium receives in Google reviews is availability of parking.

Free lots are available just outside the museum. But when the downtown parks and Luminarium are hopping, parking can indeed be a challenge.

Luminarium officials have recently stressed how easy it is to walk to the science center after parking around other nearby attractions. The trek will become even easier when the “Baby Bob” pedestrian bridge from downtown to the riverfront opens later this year — and easier yet when the planned city streetcar system opens in 2027.

Of course that is the major complaint. To be fair, looking at the Luminarium's website, under the FAQ section, they only identify the free surface parking west of the facility. They could have a separate page identifying nearby public parking and walking routes, or something, similar to what MECA has for the convention center (https://chihealthcenteromaha.com/direct ... d-parking/).

We took our kids to the Lewis and Clark park on Friday. It was packed, but there were still spots available in the free surface parking. We were also in the area last Wednesday and we parked at the Brickline garage. Super easy walk to the Luminarium and Lewis and Clark park from there.

[skinzfan23]

We went on Saturday and we got there around noon. There were still about 15-20 spots open but around 3 when we came back out it was completely packed and full. There were at least a dozen cars circling and looking for a spot.

I do wish that they would have put the cap over the train tracks. Would have freed up more space for buildings and parking.

[skinzfan23]

Looking at some of the articles from the OWH on this and it is amazing how much better that area looks now. Whoever had the idea to have the playground right next to the museum is genius. It really has helped to activate that area so much more. It used to be that you would see a few runners or bikers on their way to the pedestrian bridge, but now the whole area is alive with people with Omaha as the back drop.

[Garrett]

Looking at some of the articles from the OWH on this and it is amazing how much better that area looks now. Whoever had the idea to have the playground right next to the museum is genius. It really has helped to activate that area so much more. It used to be that you would see a few runners or bikers on their way to the pedestrian bridge, but now the whole area is alive with people with Omaha as the back drop.

Once Union Omaha and possibly the Gallup Campus develops the entire riverfront is just going to be so drastically different from a few years ago where it was really just an incredibly passive space.