Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts
4.5(139)google
5.0(11)yelp
Contemporary ArtArt
Overview
The Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts is an internationally acclaimed, deeply progressive cultural institution located within a masterfully repurposed historic industrial warehouse in Omaha's Old Market. Operating one of the largest and most competitive international artist-in-residence programs in the entire world since 1981, this admission-free gallery serves as an experimental laboratory for cutting-edge contemporary fine art. Visitors can explore sprawling galleries showcasing temporary, intensely provocative multi-media installations.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeAn indoor haven for cutting-edge gallery pieces year-round. Visiting Friday or Saturday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM in spring or fall is best. Soft daylight pieces through large multi-pane windows, framing the raw, industrial warehouse galleries.
Getting ThereSituated on the western cusp of the Old Market at 724 S 12th St. Metered street stalls line 12th St; nearby covered public parking garages are also available. Ride Metro lines 13, 18, or 30 to the Old Market hub and walk 3 minutes southwest.
Travel Tips
- Admission is entirely free, operating Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM, closed Mondays and Tuesdays; limited metered curb parking lines the brick front, forcing long-wheelbase RVs to park down at the north freight berths.
- Located in the Old Market district, surrounding roads consist of 19th-century unrefined, bumpy historic brick cobblestones, making high heels dangerous and presenting heavy operational resistance for strollers.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The galleries host avant-garde concept installations with a strict no-touch policy; the use of mechanical camera tripods, monopods, or macro close-ups is banned unless pre-authorized via written media credentials.
Reviews
Positive
- A contemporary art sanctuary converted from an old brick warehouse in Old Market! Soaring open spaces meet avant-garde installations for high visual shock.
- As an internationally renowned artist residency hub, exhibits carry cutting-edge academic core value, living up to its reputation far from corporate commercialization.
- Management is highly elegant and strict; galleries are spacious and quiet with poetic lighting, ensuring a distraction-free space for deep reflection.
- It remains completely free to the public and travelers year-round, equipped with modern large accessible elevators, rendering flawless value.
Heads up
- Leaning heavily toward hard-core avant-garde conceptual and abstract art, most exhibits lack plain-language explanations, creating a high barrier for casual guests.
- Since featured themes shift on a quarterly scale, visiting during transitional turnover windows between major exhibits leaves very few active booths to view.
- Sited on the edge of the busy Old Market district, it lacks its own free parking; self-driving tourists must hunt for street meters and watch timelines closely.
- To match the vibe of specific multimedia installations, climate control in certain corners can be chillingly cold and dim, leaving short-sleeved guests freezing.