The Kiewit Luminarium shines light on science in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (KOLN) - If you are looking for a great day trip, you might consider a visit to the Kiewit Luminarium where you can explore the science that has an impact on us every day.

We caught up with Emily Mwaja, who is the Vice President of Experience at the Kiewit Luminarium. "This is a science museum where everyone is welcome, and you get to see science in a different light," Mwaja said. "The Luminarium came about in order to support the city and the state when it comes to STEM equity. This was built with youth in mind, as we are trying to keep our kids interested in STEM subjects."

STEM subjects are things like science, technology, engineering and math.

"Research is showing that by 2031, 13% of the jobs will be in the STEM field," Mwaja said. "But at the same time, research is showing that 20% of our kids who graduate from high school are not prepared for STEM coursework at the university level. So the Luminarium is a great tool to help and support that. We want to spark interest STEM, and we want to keep our talent here."

There are exhibits for everyone at the Kiewit Luminarium. "If you enjoy light, motion and heat, our gallery called 'Catch Waves' is where you can immerse yourself will all types of exhibits," Mwaja said. "If you love to work with land, our 'Dig Deeper' gallery is where you can engage with exhibits that tie into the river, the soil beneath our feet, and the prairie. If you are into human connection and want to learn more about yourself, that is a gallery where you get to work through the biology of yourself and the 'we' as a community. If you are a 6-year-old, or a 99-year-old, you are going to find something here, and you are going to feel like you belong in this space."

The Missouri River is right in the Luminarium's backyard. "The city has done a great job of tying in the Luminarium with making sure everything that is around us, such as the plants, are native to the state," Mwaja said. "We are able to use a space where in the summer, you are not only able to come in the museum, we can also activate the outside area. Kids and families that are coming here can also enjoy the riverfront and the plants and landscaping around us."

If you want to know more about the Kiewit Luminarium, you can call (402) 502-3355 or go to kiewitluminarium.org . The attraction is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.