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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Kiewit Luminarium?

We are a place for learners of all ages and backgrounds to engage with their own curiosity. With more than 125 open-ended exhibits and ever-changing programming, your experience will never be the same twice!

Where is Kiewit Luminarium located?

We are located at Lewis and Clark Landing at The RiverFront. Our address is 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE 68102.

What are your hours?

Our current hours are:

Monday  Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Friday  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Saturday  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Sunday  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

 

Please note that hours may vary by season and for special events. The Luminarium will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

Do I have to leave the museum at a certain time before closing?

You’re welcome to stay until closing, no matter what time you enter the museum.

Is the museum really for all ages?

We are a place for learners of all ages, identities, and backgrounds to explore and learn with their hands. While our content is designed for ages 6 and up, younger children often enjoy exhibits involving light, shadows, color, and bubbles. These exhibits can be found in the Catch Waves gallery on the first floor.  The only exhibit that is age-restricted is the Anne M. Hubbard Geometry Playground, which is for guests ages 5 and up.

 

Adults can enjoy Night Light (18+) every Thursday evening. During Night Light, we offer provocative programming to engage your curiosity and spark joy. We also have a cash bar for those who want to enjoy an adult beverage while they explore.

Can my children explore on their own?

Children 12 and under must be supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver identified by a parent or guardian. Caregivers must be a minimum of 14 years old.

 

Are there staff available to help if needed?

Luminators are available to assist with questions, facilitate visitor experiences, lead demonstrations, and enhance your experience. They wear bright blue vests and are easy to spot! Luminators are high school students, college students, and early-career adults from diverse backgrounds.

Is there food at the Luminarium?

Our onsite restaurant, Fig café is located at the south end of the museum, and is open while the Luminarium is open. Fig. offers freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, salads, and new twists on classic dishes that everyone can enjoy. You can dine in the cafe and enjoy views of the river or grab and go.

What can I do with my bags, coats and other stuff?

We have free lockers available for use during your visit. They are located in the Landing just past our Welcome Desk.

Are pictures and videos allowed?

Informal photography and video for personal use are allowed as long as you do not disrupt the experience for other guests. 

Photography, filming, or recording of any kind intended for advertising, publication, or any other public or commercial use must be approved in advance by our Marketing department. Please email [email protected] to get in touch with a team member.

What else is there to do nearby?

There are plenty of options! We are located at Lewis and Clark Landing at The RiverFront. Enjoy green space, sand volleyball, walking and biking trails, and a destination playground made for adventure. To see all that The RiverFront has to offer, visit their website.

Additionally, you can take a walk on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge over to Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs, or walk the MLK Jr. Pedestrian Bridge up to The Capitol District and Old Market district where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Where do I park?

There are free parking lots directly west of the building. 

Is there a loading zone for dropping off and picking up guests?

Yes, there is a loading zone on the west side of the building where you can drop off or pick up.

Are there wheelchairs available for guests to use?

Yes! We have three free wheelchairs available for guests to use on a first come, first-served basis.

Do you offer gift cards?

At this time, we do not offer gift cards. However, we do offer gift memberships.

Can you donate tickets or memberships to my organization?

We are exploring what a donation process could look like, but do not offer donations at this time. Please check back with us next year.

Tickets

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available online or at our Welcome Desk. Entry is subject to availability and capacity. We encourage advance reservations on weekends and during peak times. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

How much do tickets cost?

Daytime entry is always free for members. General admission pricing is $24.95 for adults (18+), $19.95 for youth between the ages of 5-17, and free for children age four and under.

Night Light tickets (adults only) are $20 general and $15 for members.

Do you offer any discounts on general admission tickets?

We do! Teachers, Students (18+), Seniors (65+) and Active Military adults receive a 20% discount. Children of Teachers and Children of Active Military (ages 5-17) also receive a 20% discount.

 

Through the Indigenous Peoples Access Policy, we offer complimentary admission to registered members of federally recognized tribes.

Do I need to reserve tickets if I am a member?

As a member, your daytime admission to the Luminarium is always free. You can reserve your tickets in advance here or show your digital membership card at our Welcome Desk when you arrive.

How do I reserve tickets as a member?

Members can reserve tickets here. After selecting the date you would like to visit, log in by inputting your member ID number (located at the bottom of your digital card) in the “Members Log In” field at the upper right hand corner.

Do you offer group reservations?

Yes! Please email [email protected] to be connected to a team member who can assist you.

Am I able to exchange tickets in case of an emergency?

If you are not able to make your scheduled ticket time, we can reschedule your visit for another time. Please email [email protected] with the future date and time you would like to visit and our team will be happy to update your reservation.

Am I able to receive a refund if I was not able to attend my ticket date?

If you notify us in advance that you will not be able to attend on your ticket date, we will be happy to help you reschedule your visit to a future date. Please email [email protected] to be connected to a team member who can assist you.

Membership

Does Kiewit Luminarium offer memberships?

Yes, we offer multiple membership options. Learn more about our membership options here.

How do I become a member?

You can purchase a membership online here or visit us in person and a team member will be happy to help you sign up.

What are the membership benefits?

We offer Family, Grandparent, Dual, and Individual memberships. All memberships offer the following benefits:

    • Unlimited free daytime admission for one year 
    • Reduced price admission for adults-only Thursday nights
    • 10% discount at Fig. Cafe
    • 10% discount at the Luminarium Store

What are the benefits of your Family Membership?

In addition to the benefits included with every membership, our Family Membership supports the needs of the modern family by including a built-in caregiver benefit so you can add a grandparent or regular babysitter/nanny to your membership at no additional cost. There are extra benefits for your children, too! We offer the opportunity for children to bring a friend along on every visit. 

Can I gift a membership?

Yes! A membership to Kiewit Luminarium makes a great gift. View our gift membership options here.

Can someone use my membership without being named on it?

Most memberships offer the flexibility for named members to bring guests, however, guests cannot use the membership on their own without a named member being present.

When will I receive my membership card?

After you complete your membership purchase, your digital membership card will be sent to you via email. You can then download your card to your Apple Wallet or GPay for easy access. If you do not receive your membership card, please email [email protected] 

How do I reserve tickets as a member?

Members can reserve tickets here. After selecting the date you would like to visit, log in by inputting your member ID number (located at the bottom of your digital card) in the “Members Log In” field at the upper right hand corner.

Is my membership reciprocal with other museums and science centers across the country?

At this time, we do not offer or honor reciprocal membership.

Do you offer a discounted membership price for teachers or active military personnel?

We believe that cost should not be a barrier to accessing and experiencing our space. Our equity-based membership model offers different pricing options to meet people where they are at. Because of this, while we offer discounted tickets for teachers and active military personnel, we do not offer membership discounts for specific communities and encourage you to explore our Membership and Access Membership pages instead.

What if I have guests with me who are not covered for free by my membership?

If you have guests with you who are not covered by your membership, you will be able to purchase tickets for them when you arrive at the Luminarium or you can reserve your member tickets and purchase additional tickets in advance here.

Is my Luminarium membership tax-deductible?

Yes, all memberships are 100% tax deductible.

How do I use my discount in the Cafe or Store?

To use your membership discount in the Cafe or Store, simply show your digital membership card at the time of your purchase.

Can I convert my general admission tickets to a membership when I visit?

We do not offer the opportunity to convert general admission tickets to a membership.

Event Rentals and Field Trips

Is it possible to rent out the Luminarium or one of your rooms for private events?

Yes! Please email us at [email protected] to inquire about private event rentals.

Can my school plan field trips to the Luminarium?

Yes! Field trip requests for the 2024-25 school year will be accepted through our website starting August 16, 2024 (10AM). For general information or questions, please email [email protected]