Discover KANEKO Omaha – A Creative Space For Art, Innovation & Ideas
KANEKO is Omaha’s leading creative center offering public access to art, innovation, lectures, and exhibits in a beautifully restored warehouse setting.
Jul 15, 2025157 Shares2.4K Views
Origins & Purpose
KANEKO was founded in 1998 by Jun Kaneko, a well-known Japanese-American ceramic artist, and his wife Ree Kaneko. Their vision was to create a space where creativity could be explored without limits. Unlike a traditional museum or gallery, KANEKO focuses on ideas, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It brings together art, science, technology, design, and performance to help people think differently. The center encourages visitors to engage with creativity in all its forms and supports artists, educators, and the public through exhibitions, events, and community outreach.
Location & Building History
KANEKO is located in Omaha’s Old Market district at 1111 Jones Street. It occupies three renovated warehouse buildings that date back to the early 20th century. These structures were once used for produce storage and later served as garages. They were transformed into a modern creative space while keeping their original architectural features. Today, the buildings include spacious galleries, studios, meeting areas, and a performance space. The renovation has won several architectural awards for blending historic preservation with modern design.
Creative Programs & Exhibitions
KANEKO offers a wide variety of public programming throughout the year. This includes art exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, lectures, and workshops. Exhibits are often interactive and focus on creative themes such as light, sound, movement, or materials. Notable past exhibitions include “Big Clay 2,” which featured large-scale sculptures, and “Light,” which explored how light interacts with space and form. These programs aim to challenge traditional ways of thinking and invite the public to experience creativity in new and meaningful ways.
Jun & Ree Kaneko’s Vision
Jun Kaneko has lived in Omaha since the mid-1980s and is best known for his monumental ceramic sculptures, which appear in public spaces across the U.S. and internationally. His work reflects a deep interest in form, scale, and process. Ree Kaneko is an art advocate and administrator who helped found the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts before co-founding KANEKO. Together, they created a space that is not about selling or collecting art, but about sharing creative ideas. Their leadership continues to guide KANEKO’s mission and influence Omaha’s cultural growth.
Facilities & Features
Inside KANEKO, visitors will find several dedicated spaces. The Bow Truss Gallery is a large open area used for exhibitions and live performances. There is also the KANEKO-UNO Library, a collaboration with the University of Nebraska Omaha, offering resources on creativity and innovation. The space includes smaller studios for educational workshops, lectures, and community discussions. A film theater and multi-use rooms allow for flexible programming. All of these areas are designed to be open and adaptable, fostering collaboration among artists, students, and visitors.
Community Impact & Recognition
KANEKO has played a major role in shaping Omaha’s creative community. It has hosted national and international artists, supported local creators, and offered platforms for public dialogue. Events like TEDxOmaha and the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival are held here, attracting diverse audiences. The organization is also working on a permanent collection and expanding its physical space through private funding and community partnerships. Its growing influence has helped put Omaha on the map as a city that values innovation and the arts.
Visitor Experience
KANEKO is free to the public and welcomes visitors from Thursday through Sunday. Exhibits are self-guided, and staff are available to answer questions. Guests can enjoy changing exhibitions, attend special events, or participate in hands-on workshops. Programs are designed for all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're attending a film screening, a music performance, or a creative lecture, each visit offers a new way to experience artistic expression and creative thinking. KANEKO is also wheelchair-accessible and located within walking distance of other Old Market attractions.
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