KEARNEY – On Monday, Oct 16 the Museum of Nebraska Art held a topping out celebration.
The event celebrated the completion of the mass timber frame, as part of the museums ongoing renovations and 23,000 square foot expansion.
Attendees had the opportunity to decorate the last beam with signatures before it was put into place be construction crews.
Owners’ representative John Maass, explained during the event that once the project is completed, attendees will be able to see the last beam from inside MONA once it’s open to the public. Maas went on to say that the decision to choose a mass timber structure was not just for aesthetics, but also for its sustainability. Once completed MONA will be one of the first few museums to employ a mass timber frame structure.
Discussions on the project began back in 2015, and then the project broke ground back in December 2021. The museum is scheduled for completion 2024.
“It’s a huge leap of faith to move forward on a project like this, and the board has been fearless throughout that entire process.” said Maass.
Speakers at the event also included, UNK Vice Chancellor of Finance and Business Jon Watts, BV Architect Mark Bacon, and Former Board President Tom Gallagher
“Today, this milestone gives us new faith and hope. It helps us see how early next year we’re going have a new MONA, right here.” Said Gallagher.
Finally, Maass shared that all the effort, time and work put into the project is for the people of Kearney and the state.
