KEARNEY, Neb. — Big projects take a long time… and one of the largest construction projects in Kearney just took a massive step forward.

Workers poured 1.5 million pounds of concrete to form the foundation of the Museum of Nebraska Art’s 23,000 square foot expansion on Thursday.

Marketing Coordinator Gina Garden says it’s a milestone moment in a process that started when the museum closed in November 2021.

“First it was the hole and it was like, ‘oh my gosh it’s actually happening.’ Now it’s actually concrete, who knew concrete would be so exciting? We’re all down here really looking forward to it,” Garden said. “Once this is done, you’ll really be able to see things start to take shape.”

The former entrance to the museum is the former post office built in 1911. The museum is trying to preserve as much of the original marble and wood as possible while undertaking a total renovation. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, so the expansion section is required to look different. They’re going for a contemporary look.

“We will have artwork storage down there, much better space for us to actually deal with the artwork, art prep rooms, then we’ll have additional gallery space on the main level as well on the second floor,” Garden said.

Other features of the remodel will include a community studio, common areas, event space and additional gallery space that can hold much of the museum’s 5,000 permanent works.

“I think before when most people came in, they would always say, ‘I had no idea. We didn’t realize what you had here.’ I think that’s going to be tenfold now,” Garden said.

The project carries a $36.5 million price tag, including a $5 million endowment. Garden says the museum has raised about 80% of the construction goal. The expansion is slated to be finished by early or mid summer next year.

“We are going to be able to do so much more than what we could before," Garden said. "We’re really looking forward to changing the perception of what an art museum is. We want people to come in and enjoy it. Whether you’re traveling through, whether you live here, you can always come in and see something different.”