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Centennial Mall

Nebraska's Centennial Mall is more than just Lincoln. It's Nebraska's front door to the State Capitol, home to our Unicameral. It's where 35,000 school children visit each year to learn about their state. And it is the front door to the University of Nebraska, our state's oldest and largest university system, and the cultural and intellectual hub of the state.

There's a reason our state motto is "The Good Life." Nebraska's Centennial Mall shows us, our visitors, and our children and grandchildren, what's important to us and what has influenced us. Most importantly, it's a place where we can gather, celebrate, learn, or protest.

Acres: 3.47

History

Nebraska’s Centennial Mall is a celebration of the state’s past, present, and future. Stretching seven blocks through downtown Lincoln, the Centennial Mall shows the people of Nebraska and visitors what is important to Nebraskans and what has influenced Nebraskans throughout the years. Whether a person is approaching the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or looking up at the State Capitol, the Centennial Mall has long been a continuous celebration of “The Good Life.”

The redesign of Centennial Mall recognizes and celebrates the legacy of stewardship in Nebraska – past, present, and future. This allows education and story telling of the state's natural and civic history while highlighting many of the unique aspects and features of the state:

Construction and Renovation of the Mall

In 1922 Capitol architect Bertram Goodhue proposed a seven-block wide avenue to create a more formal entrance to the north side of the Capitol building. Fifteen years later, city and state leaders designated a 120-foot wide right-of-way from the Capitol to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A commission was created to help create the Mall. However, progress and construction on the Centennial Mall came to a halt for the next few decades.

By 1967 Centennial Mall was built to commemorate Nebraska’s centennial year and extended from the Capitol to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

The City and State commissioned a master plan in 1997, this commission envisioned the Spirit of Nebraska Mall. The plan called for closing all seven blocks of the Mall and an ensuing revitalization. However, the redevelopment failed due to lack of funding. Thus, the Centennial Mall fell into disrepair for the next ten years.

The City of Lincoln made $3 million of funding available for improvements to Nebraska’s Centennial Mall in 2009. This was the first time that funding was made available to the city specifically for the purpose of Centennial Mall revitalization. The Centennial Mall campaign committee was formed as well, to increase fundraising efforts.

By 2017, the refurbished Centennial Mall was completed, just in time for Nebraska’s 150th year. It is a celebration of Nebraska’s spirit throughout the years, from its ancient Native beginnings to the technology that is shaping the future.

Commercial Photography in the Park

Lincoln's parks and public gardens have provided beautiful backdrops for generations of family photos. When you or your photographer are taking pictures, we ask that you be mindful of, and minimize disruption to, other park users and garden visitors. Please also take care to avoid damaging any flowers, plantings, turf, or park property.

If your photo shoot is large and/or it could disrupt normal park or public garden operations, you make need to seek a Special Use Permit. If fees for photography services are collected on site, a Permit to Conduct Business may be required. Wedding reservations are available at our wedding designated sites. Please contact 402-441-7847, Ext. 0, or email parks@lincoln.ne.gov, for additional information regarding both Special Use Permit and wedding reservations.

Thank you and enjoy those beautiful pictures!

Centennial Mall Themes

We the People ("K" to "L" Streets)

We the People ("K" to "L" Streets)

Elements on this block celebrate the democratic process that began with statehood and continues as an organized society. "Watchful citizens" and state leaders will be recognized for their contributions. The central feature of this block is a formal, ceremonial plaza with a signature fountain and design echoing the north steps of the State Capitol Building.

Our Home Nebraska ("L" to "M" Streets)

This block recognizes the natural resources of Nebraska and the critical importance of their stewardship. Water resources including Nebraska's rivers and the Ogallala Aquifer will be symbolically and literally highlighted. This area of the Mall features a large plaza with a block-wide outline of the State of Nebraska with rivers and eco-regions represented in the plaza pavement. It is envisioned that students and visitors will congregate within this area to learn more about the state.

Mosaic of Nebraskans {"M" to "P" Streets)

The three central blocks (which are open to vehicular traffic) highlight the people, cultures, and organizations that have come together over time to create a social quilt of Nebraskans. Bands of attractive and inscribable pavers along the primary walks on the east and west sides of the Mall will provide opportunities for donors to recognize a person, family, community, or organization.

Sparking the Good Life – Imagination to Innovation ("P" to "R" Streets)

Based on the prominent presence of the University, these two blocks focus on creativity sparked through innovation and education. The efforts of educators, artists, and innovators, will be highlighted and celebrated. the central feature of this area is a plaza with a kinetic water feature representing sparks of imagination and creativity; it will also include an art alcove and amphitheater-type seating area. This plaza is between the Lincoln Children's Museum and UNL's Anderson Hall housing the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Chief Standing Bear Sculpture

In 2017, a ten-foot-tall statue honoring Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe was unveiled on Centennial Mall in the Campus Zone. The bronze Standing Bear statue, created by sculptor Benjamin Victor, references the "Standing Lincoln" statue memorializing Abraham Lincoln which stands in front of the Nebraska State Capitol building. The unveiling ceremony featured dancers from the Winnebago Tribe, a dedication by mayor Chris Beutler, a reception following the event, and a sale of the artist's maquettes of the statue to benefit a Native American scholarship fund.

Standing Bear Sculpture Unveiling, October 15, 2017

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Sculpture

A bronze sculpture of trailblazing Nebraska Native American physician Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a member of the Omaha Tribe and the first Native American in the United States to earn a degree to become a medical doctor. The statue shows the doctor in a traditional Omaha period dress toting her medical bag standing tall on a limestone platform next to the Scottish Rite Temple across from the State Office building between L and M streets.

Dedication of the sculpture was on Monday, October, 11, Indigenous Peoples Day, on Centennial Mall. The sculpture is funded by a generous local donor.

About Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte