Omaha, Nebraska

:For other uses, see Omaha (disambiguation).

Arts, culture and attractions

Omaha is home to the Omaha Community Playhouse, one of the most famous and best-endowed community theaters in the United States, and to Girls and Boys Town; its Henry Doorly Zoo is widely considered one of the premier zoos in the world. The Blue Barn Theatre, a nationally famous semi-professional company that specializes in the works of contemporary playwrights, was founded in 1989 by a group of recent graduates from Purchase College.

Related Topics:
Community theater - United States - Blue Barn Theatre - Purchase College

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A portion of Omaha's renovated downtown area is known as the Old Market. It is home to a number of shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries. There one may find uneven brick roads, horse drawn carriages, and street performers.

Related Topics:
Downtown - Old Market - Shops - Restaurants

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Major music groups either located in or originally from Omaha include the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, Mannheim Steamroller, Bright Eyes, and 311. The late indie-folk singer/songwriter Elliott Smith was also born in Omaha. The Joslyn Art Museum has significant art collections, particularly of Native American art and art works relating to the early European exploration of western North America.

Related Topics:
Bright Eyes - 311 - Elliott Smith - Joslyn Art Museum - Native American - European - North America

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Between the zoo and the Old Market lies Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center (www.omahabotanicalgardens.org).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lauritzen Gardens is an urban oasis of beauty and tranquility. This 100-acre botanical garden features 13 outdoor areas, including a rose garden, herb garden, children?s garden and an arboretum. It also includes an indoor floral display hall, educational programs for children and adults, annual festivals, a café, and a gift shop. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Omaha is now home to the AHL franchise, the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights, farm team to the Calgary Flames. This franchise was previously located in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Related Topics:
AHL - Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights - Calgary Flames - Saint John, New Brunswick

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Omaha is also best known for the NCAA Division 1 College World Series, held every year at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. The CWS has been held in Omaha every year since 1950.

Related Topics:
NCAA - College World Series - Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Omaha continues to earn mention in many popular songs: see "Songs about Omaha" below. An increasing number of movies about Omaha have also been made.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~