Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Great Plains Art Museum is housed within the Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit the art and material culture of the Great Plains region, offering a unique perspective on the history and culture of the area. As part of the university, the museum benefits from the academic and research resources available on campus, collaborating with faculty members and students to create exhibitions that offer an in-depth look at the art and culture of the region.

The museum's permanent collection includes over 7,000 artworks and objects, covering topics such as Native American art, early European-American art, and contemporary Great Plains art. One notable example from the collection is the Kiowa War Shield, created by a Kiowa warrior in the late 19th century. This shield is an important example of Native American art from the Great Plains region and has been the subject of extensive research and study.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase specific aspects of Great Plains art and culture. A notable recent example is the exhibition "The Art of the Great Plains: 50 Years at the Center for Great Plains Studies," which celebrated the center's 50th anniversary with a selection of artworks from the museum's collection. The exhibition included works by artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, two of the most renowned artists to focus on the American West and Great Plains.

In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers educational programs for students and adults, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. These programs aim to promote a deeper understanding of the art and culture of the Great Plains region and provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the museum's collections and exhibitions.

The Great Plains Art Museum is also involved in research and conservation efforts, working to preserve and study the artworks in its collection. The museum has a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory on site, where conservators use advanced techniques to analyze and conserve artworks. This laboratory is an important resource for the museum, allowing it to care for its collections and share its research findings with the wider academic and museum communities.

In the broader context of Nebraska history, the Great Plains Art Museum offers a unique perspective on the art and culture of the state. The museum's focus on the Great Plains region provides a framework for understanding the state's position within the larger region and the cultural exchange that has shaped the art and culture of the area.

For visitors to the state, the Great Plains Art Museum is an essential destination for those interested in Nebraska history and the art and culture of the Great Plains region. The museum's location in Lincoln makes it easily accessible from other parts of the state, and its exhibitions and programs offer a wealth of information for visitors to explore.

Overall, the Great Plains Art Museum is an important cultural and educational institution in Nebraska, providing a valuable resource for those interested in the art and culture of the Great Plains region. Through its collections, exhibitions, and programs, the museum offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of Nebraska and the larger region.