The Durham Museum
4.7(3.8K)google
4.4(159)yelp
History
Overview
The Durham Museum preserves the rich pioneering and industrial heritage of the western United States, housed inside Omaha's breathtakingly beautiful, National Historic Landmark Union Station building. As a premier example of 1930s Art Deco architectural design, the museum's grand waiting hall features soaring 60-foot ceilings, opulent gold leaf chandeliers, and realistic bronze statues of historic travelers. Visitors can walk through authentic fully restored historic train passenger cars, classic steam engines, and extensive regional cultural archives.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun12:00 – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeHoused in a stunning Art Deco train station, this indoor venue shines year-round. December is magical due to the massive historic Christmas tree erected in the main Great Hall. On normal visits, arrive by 10:00 AM to leisurely explore the train cars and secure a stool at the authentic 1930s soda fountain.
Getting ThereLocated downtown at 801 S 10th St. Drive south on 10th St across the rail overpass to access the museum's private upper-deck parking passenger lot. Via public transit, hop on Metro Bus Route 13 or 35 and get off at the 10th & Pacific stop directly outside.
Travel Tips
- Housed in a landmark Art Deco terminal, the museum bans track spikes, heavy metallic cleats, or wheeled casual footwear to safeguard highly polished heritage floor assets.
- The property’s entrance bridge imposes rigid axle-weight limits; heavy-chassis RV overlanders exceeding 5 tons must decouple and position assemblies in western flat lots.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Step-in vintage train cars feature incredibly tight passageways and steep structural stairs; users with bulky photographic multi-compartment backpacks must use terminal lockers.
Reviews
Positive
- Housed in the historic Union Station; the grand Art Deco architectural style and soaring passenger terminal ceiling deliver ultimate visual impact.
- Exhibits are highly authentic with immense core value; visitors can step directly inside real vintage steam train traincars and historic shops.
- Facilities are maintained immaculately clean; the grand lobby preserves centennial sculptures, historic benches, and vintage signs, paired with sleek modern elevators.
- The most stunning feature is the authentic, operational historic Soda Fountain, where you can buy genuine old-fashioned ice cream sundaes at cheap prices.
Heads up
- Admission is widely considered a bit pricey for a regional history museum, rendering limited value for those casual guests who dislike rail history.
- The basement galleries are adjusted quite dim to preserve delicate old documents and photos, making reading dense English placards tiring for the eyes.
- Being a strictly protected historic landmark, some corridors retain their narrow design, creating local bottlenecks and noise when school tour groups flood in.
- Formal hot dining is weak on-site; beyond the sweets at the old-fashioned soda fountain, it lacks substantial hot meals, requiring you to find diners outside.