Beyond the neighborhood being a showcase to history and a celebration of the “art of architecture,” the Castle & Cathedral District also offers an “art of space” that is unusual to most neighborhoods.
From the Castle and Gardens’ five acres of green space to the welcoming communal venues of the Cathedral, to the democratic meeting halls of Cali Commons, the Castle & Cathedral District is also a living environment that generates positive energy and provides a space for people to gather and enjoy culture. In these spaces, the District hosts one-of-a-kind events that include: Family friendly festivals, concerts, art shows, Pow Wows, theatrical performances, civic talks and nature programming.
Cali Commons
Cali Commons represents a platform that fosters creativity and connectivity, offering a collaborative environment for community engagement.
We feature the work of local and regional artists at pop-up art shows throughout the year.
The gallery can be rented for private and community events. Pricing is contingent on the type of event, most rentals priced at $50 per hour. For further details and to reserve your event, call George at (402) 513-2321 or send an email info@calicommons.com.
Cathedral Arts Project
Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) was founded in 1985 to promote and celebrate the performing and visual arts in Omaha’s historic St. Cecilia Cathedral. This concept dates back to the Middle Ages when cathedrals were erected in the heart of the city as awe-inspiring monuments to God. Cathedrals also became the heart of the community’s culture. It was there that artists and musicians presented their master works and dramatists produced mystery and morality plays to teach and entertain.
This vibrant tradition provided the inspiration for renewing the concept of celebrating the arts in the masterwork of renowned architect Thomas Rogers Kimball: Omaha’s St. Cecilia Cathedral.
Throughout the past 40 years, many have come to know CAP as the organization that holds “that wonderful flower show” in the dead of winter. While 10,000 people visit the festival annually, many more know us for unique musical and visual events – including performing artists such as Spire, Tallis Scholars, Vienna Choir Boys, Anonymous IV and Chanticleer – all in the sumptuous acoustic of the cathedral.
The Cathedral Cultural Center has become a destination for tourists as well as the local population. The Sheehan Museum, O’Donnell Lecture Hall, Gift Shop and Sunderland Gallery – all admission free – offer a variety of programs, including six art exhibitions annually.
Joslyn Castle & Gardens
Joslyn Castle & Gardens is committed to being Omaha’s most welcoming and engaging cultural institution, providing a unique trifecta of experiences: a historic home, year round educational programming, and 5.75 acres of publicly-accessible grounds. At the core of our work is a mission to preserve and share the historic campus for future generations.
Through bold action and strategic investment, we create a space for new ideas and perspectives, and social connection. Serving over 50,000 visitors annually, the Castle shines a light on Omaha’s past while building a creative vision for our community’s future.
Engagement with history and culture is at the heart of everything we do, and our calendar of events offers innovative art experiences for visitors of all ages, including family-friendly programs, thought-provoking talks and conversations, inspiring concerts and exhibits, and more.
Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association
The mission of the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association is to strengthen the fabric of our community, to preserve and promote the historic character of our unique neighborhood, and to nurture and participate in its economic vitality.
JCNA holds monthly all-neighborhood meetings to discuss upcoming events and any concerns. JCNA is also on the board of the Castle & Cathedral Art District as well as the Midtown Neighborhood Alliance. You can contact us by email at jcneighborhoodassociation@gmail.com or facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JosylnCastleNA. You can find more information about the history of our neighborhoods humble beginnings in Omaha at our 40th street blog at https://astrolldown40thstreetmto.blogspot.com/
JCNA encompasses some of Omaha’s most interesting (and impressive) architecture. From St. Cecilia’s Cathedral to Arts & Crafts bungalows, Gold Coast mansions to newly renovated apartment buildings, our neighborhood literally has architecture for everyone.
And, of course, our namesake, the Joslyn Castle, highlights the historic importance of our part of the city.
Our neighborhood association includes everyone from 37th Street west to Saddle Creek, from Dodge north to Cuming. Hard to imagine a more diverse, more inclusive, more interesting neighborhood anywhere in Omaha.
We proudly support our neighborhood businesses, and we rely on them to support us in return. Locally owned restaurants, ethnic groceries, a hardware store geared to old-home owners, and many service-oriented companies call JCNA home.
Included in our boundaries is the North Gold Coast neighborhood, where turn-of-the-century mansions line the streets.
Not to be outdone, the Arts & Crafts homes primarily west of 40th offer some outstanding examples of craftsman architecture, boasting everything from bungalows to Victorians.
JCNA prides itself on improving our neighborhood with projects like creating and maintaining Clarkson Park; building and offering programming in the park through our Pocket Stage Productions; adding bike racks, recycling containers, bus benches and doggie waste stations; and securing approval and funding for a historic marker at Joslyn Castle.
As was true when JCNA was founded in 1989, we focus on these goals: To strengthen the fabric of our community, to preserve and promote the historic character of our unique neighborhood and to nurture and participate in its economic vitality.