Historic Home on the Campus
The museum's mission is to steward, share and celebrate the Frank House and its cultural resources.
The Frank House was designed by the popular local architect George William Frank, Jr. for his parents who lived in the house until 1900 after George lost his financial standings in the financial panic of the 1890's. It was the first house west of the Missouri River to be wired for electricity during its construction (1886-1889) and featured steam radiators and indoor plumbing. After exchanging ownership numerous times, the house was purchased in 1907 by Ole and Georgiana Grothan, a husband and wife medical team who converted the house into the Grothan Elmwood Sanitarium. In 1911, after Ole and Georgiana finalized their divorce, the Frank House was sold to the state of Nebraska and became part of the Nebraska State Tuberculosis Hospital where it was used as living quarters for the hospital’s staff until 1971. The Frank House is now an integral part of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The Frank House was built in Richardson Romanesque Shingle style. It is constructed of Red Sandstone mined from Wyoming and contains 7 of the original 10 fireplaces, hand carved oak wood work, and a beautiful Tiffany window.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Frank House! Start Here
- Located at 2010 University Drive, north of Highway 30 at the west end of the campus, University of Nebraska-Kearney
- "Walk-in" Welcome Hours: Monday - Friday 2-5, Saturday 12 noon-5.
- Admission is free, but your donations are welcomed at the door, or you may "Give Now" through NU Foundation.
- To arrange group tours, receptions and other special events call 308.865.8284 or email frankhouse@unk.edu
- Closed during university breaks and holidays, Oct.13-16, Nov. 21-25, Dec. 16-Jan.6, Jan. 19-21