Downtown Omaha ,10th and Capitol Streets

Once a grand boulevard channeling the way to 20th Street and now considered one of downtown Omaha's most pivotal settings, 10th and Capitol has earned the status as being one of Omaha's most elite corridors of activity. From the impressive and newly built Qwest Center, east to the riverfront and south to both the Gene Leahy Mall as well as the historic Old Market District, this site has long been considered prime development property. The site is also known for having once housed Union Pacific Railroad Omaha Shops. Just north is the Qwest Center Omaha, built in September of 2003 and spanning 422 acres of land. The facility includes an impressive exhibition hall, updated meeting spaces and a newly renovated 18,300 seat arena.

Omaha/ Douglas Civic Center,18th and Farnam streets

Crucial to Omaha's past and future, the Omaha Douglas Civic Center is one of this city's most pronounced public spaces as well as being the official seat of government. The building, dedicated in 1975, houses most of the city and county elected officials and is widely considered to be a center of strong community pride. Adding to the esthetics of the nearby plaza area along Farnam Street, an effort by community leaders and volunteers was instigated to include the placement of multiple planters filled with perennial native and prairie flowers and plants. Click for more information.

Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, 1301 Harney St.

Dedicated to increasing business, investment and employment, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, located at 1301 Harney in downtown Omaha, serves as a catalyst for economic and business growth and is committed to the entire metropolitan area as well as the entire state of Nebraska. The Chamber and its more than 3,400 members (representing two-thirds of the area's workforce) work together to provide opportunities and services to the entire business community. Click for more information.

Omaha Children's Museum, 20th and Howard streets

The Omaha Children's Museum began its operations in 1976 out of the back of a station wagon, delivering workshops and programs to thousands of area children. Initially housed in the City/County connector building, the museum moved briefly to the corner of 18th and St. Mary's and then to its permanent home at 20th and Howard, formerly the McFayden Ford building. Considered one of downtown Omaha's most celebrated and enriching gathering spots for children of all ages, the facility is one of the largest children's museums in the country. Fast-paced, hands-on exhibits in the science, arts and humanities makes this child-oriented center a special place where visitors explore all aspects of their creative processes. Click for more information.

Old Market, 11th and Jackson streets

Gary Day's O! sculpture has been temporarily removed from the site at 11th and Jackson for repairs. The sculpture will return to its original location by mid-October.

Dating back to the 1880's, the Old Market Historic District has long been considered a premier arts and entertainment district featuring fine dining, shopping, hotel and meeting facilities, upscale nightlife and sought-after real estate opportunities. From Harney to Jackson streets and 10th to 13th streets, Old Market Omaha is a multi-block collection of renovated brick warehouses, quaint storefronts, old-fashioned lampposts, uneven brick streets, horse-drawn carriages and street-side musicians. Residents and visitors from around the globe are captivated by the charm and uniqueness of this historically-rich and culturally-diverse district. Click for more information.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St.

Just off of Nebraska's Interstate 80, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has long been considered a world class zoo that promotes conservation awareness and exciting recreational opportunities through state-of-the-art exhibits and innovative facilities while simultaneously enhancing visitors' knowledge of the natural world. The zoo has many innovative facilities and exhibits which not only preserve a broad array of species, but also vividly present them to the public. The Henry Doorly Zoo has evolved from the small Riverview Park Zoo, established in 1894, into a world class tourist attraction and leader in environmental education.

Wanda Ewing's O! contains torn wallpaper and netting. Both materials that will breakdown and decay if placed outdoors. Therefore in order to protect this piece it is housed within the entrance to the aquarium at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Click for more information.

Levi Carter Park, North of Locust St. and Abbot Dr.

Omaha industrialist Levi Carter, owner of Carter White Lead Works, passed this land daily going to and from work and realized its potential as a vibrant gathering place. Spanning 519 acres, Omaha's Levi Carter Park offers an array of activities including baseball, football, basketball, shelters and an extensive pavilion. The adjacent Levi Carter Lake, known formerly as Cut-off Lake or Lake Nakoma and located in the state of Iowa, offers area residents water-skiing, fishing and boating. In 1908, the widow of Levi Carter donated $50,000 to the City of Omaha for acquisition and further re-development of this lakefront area, thus the name Carter Lake. Click for more information on this or other Omaha Parks and Recreation facilities.

Dreamland Plaza, 24th and Lizzie Robinson streets

Part of a $2 million streetscape beautification project, north Omaha's Dreamland Plaza, named for a former popular nightspot called the Dreamland Ballroom, is a community gathering space which features seating areas, a spacious stage for musical entertainment, a bronze sculpture by a well-known local artist, Littleton Alston and pavement décor featuring musical staffs with sprayed water features. Nearby residents enjoy the summer "Music in the Parks" events sponsored by the Omaha Musicians' Association, Local 70-558. The former Dreamland Ballroom played host to musical entertainers including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton. Also noteworthy, James Jewell, an influential member of the black community, allowed Whitney Young to speak at the Dreamland Ballroom about the Civil Rights movement. Click for more information.

Florence Mill, 9102 N. 30th St.

Prominently listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Nebraska State Historic Site, the Florence Mill, near the 30th Street exit from Interstate 680, was originally constructed during the winter of 1846 as Mormon Pioneers made their trek to new settlements in the west. After more than 150 years, little remains of the original structure, however the mill has played an important role in the history of Omaha and the growth of north Omaha's Florence neighborhood. Visitors and residents alike relish this historic and well-preserved monument which is currently owned and operated by a private individual whose goal is to restore and continue to maintain the mill as an historic site and museum. Click for more information.

South Omaha, 24th and L streets

Rich in history and diverse cultural offerings, South Omaha, originally a separate city known for stockyards and meat packing, was annexed by Omaha in 1915. Immigrants from Italy, Ireland, Poland and Czechoslovakia settled near jobs in this area. Even today, immigrants from Asia and Latino countries, Omaha's fastest growing ethnic groups, call South Omaha home. Today, leaders affiliated with the South Omaha Business Association area are working closely with Omaha city officials to renovate 24th street from L to Q with the goal of attracting more visitors to the area as well as sharing the vitality and energy of this unique community. Click for more information.

Christie Heights Park, 36th and Q streets

Housed on a one-square block in a scenic South Omaha neighborhood park, this Christie Heights location features a baseball diamond, spacious playground and a newly-renovated community center. Once an old fire station serving the area from 1923 to 1966, the Dorothy Lawver Senior Center is one of the busiest centers in Omaha offering senior citizens such activities as Double Pinochle and bingo card games as well as craft and quilt-making activities. Last year, one of the center's quilting groups donated 150 quilts to various area shelters. Click for more information on this or other Omaha Parks and Recreation facilities.

Memorial Park, 60th and Dodge streets

In 1944, Robert Storz, Henry Doorly and other business and civic leaders gathered to discuss a suitable memorial to the 950 men and women of the armed forces from Douglas County who'd given their lives in WWII. Fundraising efforts centered on a 65 acre area, formerly occupied by the Happy Hollow Golf Club and Dundee Golf Course. In May, 1948, this association paid $112,450 for the site and presented it to the City of Omaha, the first time thousands of residents contributed to a public improvement. The Leo Daly architectural firm was hired to design the monument and on June 5, 1948, President Harry S. Truman gave the dedication message. In addition to the more than 1,800 rose bushes, this spacious park features a newly renovated playground, ball field and scenic winding trails. Click for more information on this or other Omaha Parks and Recreation facilities.

Aksarben Campus, 67th and Pacific streets

Craig Roper's O! sculpture has been temporarily removed fromthesite at the Aksarben Campus for minor repairs.

Situated in the heart of midtown, the newly developed Aksarben Campus includes the world class Peter Kiewit Institute, named for the late Peter Kiewit Sr., founder of the international construction company based in Omaha. The institute is housed in a brand new facility on UNO's south campus at the Aksarben site and boasts an impressive partnership with business and industry

Gallagher Park, 52nd St. and Northwest Radial Hwy.

What began in 1859 as a beer garden for the Fred Krug Brewery and referred to early on as Krug Park is now a vibrant, community-centered gathering area rich in history and tradition. In the early 1900's the park housed a large pool, dance pavilion, bath house and even a roller coaster. In 1950, Rachel Gallagher and others raised funds for the city to purchase the park, now called Gallagher Park. Since the 1950's the city has refurbished and built a new swimming pool, a scenic fountain and made tremendous enhancements to the surrounding green space. Click for more information on this or other Omaha Parks and Recreation facilities.

Dundee Business District, 50th St. and Underwood Ave.

The historic Dundee neighborhood, located in the heart of Omaha, is situated adjacent to Memorial and Elmwood parks and borders the University of Nebraska, Omaha. This sought-after district boasts well-maintained, early 20th century homes and businesses along with distinctive cast iron, globed streetlights. An array of unique and locally-owned restaurants and businesses make up this vibrant, eclectic district. Click for more information.

Regency Parkway, Regency Pkwy. and Pacific Street

Prominently situated near premier office buildings as well as the upscale One Pacific Place shopping area, Omaha's Regency Parkway neighborhood is surrounded by green space, walking paths and gathering areas. The nearby Regency Lake and Tennis Club offers the active Omahan a multitude of recreational activities including tennis and swimming. To the west, at 105th and Pacific Street, is the inspirational Cancer Survivor's Park featuring beautiful landscaping, gathering areas and life-sized sculptures leading to an impressive "Tower of Light."

Hefflinger Park, 112th Street and West Maple Road

Perfect for the active Omahan, Hefflinger Park encompases 67-acres of open land including soccer fields, a updated playground and connection to the Big Papio Trail. Canine-enthusiasts love the recently opened dog park, Omaha's first of it's kind. This 5-acre enclosed area, is designed for safe, off-leash play between all dogs. Nearby is a 2- acre enclosed area designated for small dogs. There's also a new BMX bike track, operated by the Southwest Iowa Amateur Cycling Club, open for public use during regular daylight hours. Click for more information on this or other Omaha Parks and Recreation facilities.

Village Pointe, 168th and West Dodge Road

This O!, covered in square mirrored tiles, was previously located at one of Omaha's most scenic and picturesque gathering locations, Zorinsky Lake. It now rests majestically near the front entrance of the Village Pointe Cinema on the west end of Village Pointe Shopping Center. Click for more information.

Millard Business District, Millard Avenue and P Street

Established in 1885, the Millard district, near 132nd and Q Streets, was the brainchild of Canadian Ezra Millard who moved to Omaha with his brother in 1856. Years later, in 1971, this southwest Omaha region was annexed by Omaha yet, to this day, thrives on the identity of being a unique community set within the greater community of Omaha. Members of the Millard Business Association, a newly formed group, recognize the potential for networking and community development and are concentrating on such innovative projects as the Millard Town Center Project, a new main street district effort in downtown Millard which will include inviting and unique retail and business opportunities. Click for more information.

Eddie Dominguez constructed this O! from wood, which he set on fire as an artistic “happening.”

Nebraska Humane Society, 8928 Ford St.

Founded in 1875 and named the fifth oldest Humane Society in the United States, the Nebraska Humane Society provides education, gives sanctuary to animals, encourages pet adoptions and promotes responsible pet ownership throughout the region and beyond. This private, non-profit facility acts as a municipal shelter for more than a half a dozen communities and generates income through various programs including adoption programs, Bone Jour Dog Daycare, Manners "N More Obedience Classes, Camp Kindness and private donations. Click for more information.

Girls and Boys Town Home Campus, Boys Town, Nebraska

Founded by Father Edward Flanagan in 1917, Girls and Boys Town has a nearly 90-year history of helping abused, abandoned and neglected children. What began as a small home for homeless boys has grown into a nationwide organization with 19 sites in 15 states and the District of Columbia, providing more than 46,000 children each year with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence to get better. Click for more information.

Traveling O!, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce - west office
13206 Grover Street

Home-based at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce - west office - the O! Public Art Project's Traveling O! will appear throughout the community during the coming months, traveling to countless community events, festivals and celebrations. You might even see the O! in a parade or two! Residents and visitors alike will enjoy seeing this artistically-decorated O! in some usual and, perhaps, not-so-usual places and events. Click for information on reserving the O! Public Art Project's Traveling O!.