Crowds celebrate grand reopening of MONA in Central Nebraska

KEARNEY Neb. - Art enthusiasts will no longer have to wait to see the state's official art collection following the recent re-opening of a Central Nebraska museum.

The Museum of Nebraska Art, or MONA, is once again open to the public after being closed for three years due to an expansion and renovation.

The museum officially re-opened its doors this weekend during a grand opening celebration.

People of all ages packed the new facility to see what it has to offer.

Artists outside performed demonstrations such as glassblowing, face painting and more, while other featured artists and live music were happening inside.

MONA's project cost $36.5 million to renovate the existing historic building and also add a brand-new 23,000-square-foot expansion.