Omaha Performing Arts Center | Omaha

The Omaha Performing Arts Center, officially known as the Holland Performing Arts Center, is one of the Midwest’s premier venues for live music, theater, and cultural performances. Located in downtown Omaha, it serves as a cornerstone of the city’s arts and entertainment scene, drawing audiences from across Nebraska and neighboring states.

Architecture and Atmosphere
The Holland Performing Arts Center stands out with its modern architecture and acoustically superb design. The exterior blends sleek glass, limestone, and clean lines that contrast elegantly with the historic surroundings of downtown Omaha. Inside, warm wood paneling, soft lighting, and spacious seating create an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere. The main concert hall-known as Kiewit Hall-was designed by renowned acoustician Kirkegaard Associates, giving it world-class sound quality often compared to major concert halls in Chicago or New York. The hall’s acoustics make it especially popular for orchestral, chamber, and choral performances.

Performances and Events
The center hosts an extensive range of performances throughout the year. The Omaha Symphony performs regularly, bringing classical music, film-score concerts, and family events to local audiences. Broadway tours, jazz ensembles, contemporary musicians, and dance troupes frequently appear on the calendar. Smaller venues within the complex, such as the Scott Recital Hall and Suzanne and Walter Scott Lobby, accommodate more intimate performances, receptions, and community events.

Community and Education
Omaha Performing Arts emphasizes community outreach and arts education. The center runs programs designed to introduce young audiences to live performance, offering workshops, master classes, and student matinees. Local schools and community groups often partner with the organization to provide access to the performing arts for all ages and backgrounds.

Nearby Attractions and Surroundings
Situated near the Old Market District, the center benefits from its proximity to Omaha’s restaurants, boutique shops, and nightlife. Visitors often enjoy pre-show dinners or post-performance drinks within walking distance. The nearby Orpheum Theater, also managed by Omaha Performing Arts, adds a historic counterpart to the Holland’s modern design, together forming the city’s cultural core for live performance.

Visitor Experience
Attending an event at the Holland Performing Arts Center feels both refined and approachable. Visitors often comment on the clarity of sound in the concert hall, the comfort of seating, and the welcoming atmosphere provided by staff and volunteers. The lobby spaces, decorated with modern art installations and large glass windows overlooking downtown, provide a visually stunning backdrop for socializing before and after performances.

The Omaha Performing Arts Center stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural vitality-uniting music, theater, and community engagement in one of the most acoustically impressive and architecturally striking venues in the region.