Though opened in 2005, the dream for the Holland Performing Arts Center began long before.
1997
Is another performance space needed?
- Community leaders commission a facilities study at the Orpheum Theater.
1999
An idea takes shape
- Key community leaders engage Heritage Services to work with HDR on a design for a possible performing arts center.
2000
The Omaha Performing Arts Society is born
- Omaha Performing Arts Society becomes a registered nonprofit organization.
- Ennead Architects engaged to work with HDR on design of the performing arts center. Acousticians Kirkegaard Associates of Chicago and theater consultants Fisher Dachs Associates of New York are hired to provide advice on an Orpheum renovation and the new performing arts center.
2001
The funds are raised
- The Omaha Performing Arts Society (later Omaha Performing Arts) announces a fundraising campaign including $10 million in Orpheum renovations and funding for a performing arts center. The campaign eventually exceeds $107 million.
2002
A location is found
- In April, the group selects the site at 13th and Douglas Streets for the new performing arts center that will include a 2,000-seat concert hall, a 350-seat hall, and a courtyard.
2003
Omaha Performing Arts breaks ground
- In April, Omaha Performing Arts breaks ground for the new performing arts center to be constructed by Kiewit Construction Co.
2004
Finding the name
- In September, Omaha Performing Arts names the new center the Holland Performing Arts Center in honor and recognition of a lead gift from Richard “Dick” and Mary Holland.
- Omaha Performing Arts opens Ticket Omaha, a retail operation that will handle all ticketing for the Orpheum Theater and the Holland Performing Arts Center.
- Performance spaces are named for donors, including the Peter Kiewit Concert Hall and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Hall. Major contributors have areas named in their honor, including Conagra Foods, First National Bank, Union Pacific, and Mutual of Omaha.
- In December, the last beam is hoisted to the top of the center during a “topping off” ceremony.
2005
The Holland Performing Arts Center opens
- Construction is finished in September.
- The Holland Center opens to the public with a grand opening concert and 10 days of festivities on October 21.
2006
The work continues
- Omaha Performing Arts’ administrative offices move to the Holland Center.
2007
The 1200 Club opens
- The 1200 Club (now the Holland Music Club) opens in Scott Hall with two performances by actor Jeff Daniels.
2009
The education wing is named
- The Orchestra Gathering Room is named in honor of the Slattery Family.
- An education center on the orchestra level of the Holland is named for the Robert D. Cassling and Michael S. Cassling families. This educational wing is used for a variety of education and community engagement programs.
2012
Measuring our impact
- Omaha Performing Arts commissions the first study measuring our economic impact.
- Omaha Performing Arts opens Ovations bar and lounge in the main lobby of the Holland Center.
2014
Sounding even better
- A new sound system is installed in the Kiewit Concert Hall.
- First Economic Impact Study conducted.
2015
Celebrating 10 years
- Omaha Performing Arts celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Holland Performing Arts Center.
- The Holland Center Courtyard is named in honor of Carl G. Mammel.
- Grand opening of the restaurant Zinc in the main lobby of the Holland Center.
- Susan Morris Star Artist Suite named in honor of Susan Morris, president of Heritage Services; Gottschalk Founders Room refurbished.
2018
New spaces to enjoy
- Skyview Terrace and Capstan Lounge open on Tiers 1 and 2.
2020
Welcome Center renovations
- Ticket Omaha Box Office undergoes renovation, and the new Patron Welcome Center opens.
2021
More new spaces to enjoy
- Parkview Lounge opens on the west end of the ground floor of the Holland Center.
2024
The expanding campus
- The Dick & Mary Holland Campus is named, comprised of the Holland Center, Steelhouse Omaha, and the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.
