When the Joslyn Art Museum – in Omaha, Nebraska – set out to expand its campus, we were brought in to help shape the visitor experience from the ground up. Working alongside Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the project architect, our civil engineering team took on the challenge of reimagining how guests arrive and move through the museum grounds.

We revised the existing entryway and created a new main entrance off Davenport Street, making the museum more accessible and welcoming. We enhanced parking areas, improved grading for new lawn spaces to showcase sculptures, and expanded the sculpture garden footprint to seamlessly connect the historic museum with its new expansion. Utility coordination was also a key part of the project, with our designers helping with a mix of stormwater, sanitary, power, gas, and water systems to support the museum’s growth.

"Seeing the Joslyn recognized on a global stage is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration.”

A unique aspect of our work included translating the landscape architect’s hand sketches into precise CAD designs, ensuring that every detail – from parking layout to garden pathways – was executed with care and accuracy.

The attention to detail paid off because the museum was recently honored on the world stage for “signs of exceptional architecture and design.” The annual Prix Versailles awards recognized the Joslyn Art Museum for the following:

• 2025 World Title: Special Prize for an Exterior (Museum category)
• “World’s Most Beautiful” achievements recognition

“Our team is honored to be part of the Joslyn Art Museum’s transformation,” said Olsson’s Project Manager, Blake Weatherly. “The expansion offers a welcoming, accessible environment that connects the museum’s historic and new spaces. Seeing the Joslyn recognized on a global stage is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration.”

Just two museums were recognized from the United States as the “World’s Most Beautiful.” Others on the list include museums in Saudi Arabia, France, Norway, Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea.

Announced each year at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that “shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide.” Learn more here.

Read more about how the Joslyn Art Museum also received the 2025 Best Project Award by Engineering News Record (ENR) Midwest.