El Museo Latino is a specialist museum located in Omaha, Nebraska. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Latin and Hispanic people, and is a great place to go to learn about their unique history.
El Museo Latino opened in 1993 and became the first Latino museum and cultural center in the entire Midwest, and is still one of only 11 in the whole of the United States. In 1997 it moved buildings and has remained there ever since, residing in an old schoolhouse dating back to 1887.
The museum is home to several exhibitions and displays, all with the sole purpose of educating visitors on the unique and varied history of the Latino people. There are both permanent displays and exhibits that change throughout the year, including exhibitions on art, historic timelines and unique collections and artifacts to portray Latino history at its best.
As well as the numerous exhibits, the museum also runs educational programs to offer something a little bit different than a static museum experience. Many of these are truly interactive and include lectures, art classes, workshops, films, guided presentations and even dance classes. It's also a primary resource for Latino studies and trained staff members are always available to add insight into a whole range of subjects.
The museum also plays host to several events throughout the year, including carnivals, banquets, celebrations and performances. It's well worth checking the calendar to see what's coming up, with the exhibits also being regularly updated.
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays. Hours are 10am to 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1pm to 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Saturdays it's open between 10am and 2pm. Visits out of hours can be arranged by appointment and the museum is often open at other times to cater to special events and programs.
Admission prices are $5 for adults, $4 for college students with ID, $3 for students, senior citizens and military personnel and free to children under 5. Members get in for free as well, and group discounts can often be arranged by prior appointment. The museum is largely self-guided, however tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more with an advance reservation.
The museum also has a gift shop with a great selection of educational items, Latino art, postcards, books, toys and gifts and of course souvenirs of the museum itself.
El Museo Latino is a great place to go to learn about the history of Latino people. It offers something for everyone no matter how old they are, and everyone is sure to leave having learnt something new. It isn't stuffy like many museums but is particularly interactive, and with so many special events and programs run throughout the year there's always something extra to add to a visit.
Merry Chrystmas! Feliz Navidad!