Best Museums & Art Galleries in Minneapolis, United States
1. Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
Home to over 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, the MIA offers a global art experience for free. Notable collections include Asian, European, Native American, and Modern & Contemporary Art.
- Free Admission: Unlike many museums, admission is always free
- Diverse Collections: Features an extensive and diverse range of artworks
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and interactive activities for visitors
2. Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center is a contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions. The center includes the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to over 40 major sculptures.
- Contemporary Art Focus: Specializes in contemporary art, making it unique among museums
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Features an outdoor sculpture garden showcasing significant works
- Art, Architecture, and Performance: Combines art, architecture, and performance in a unique setting
3. Minnesota Museum of American Art (The M), St. Paul
The M showcases American art from the 18th century to the present day. Its permanent collection focuses on the stories and histories of Americans, with a focus on Minnesota.
- Regional Focus: Highlights the artistic history and cultural narratives of Minnesota
- Rotating Exhibitions: Features rotating exhibitions that contextualize American art through various lenses
- Artist Residency Program: Supports emerging artists through an artist residency program
4. American Swedish Institute (ASI)
The American Swedish Institute is a cultural museum that explores the heritage and shared experiences of Sweden and America. The museum features art exhibitions, historic mansion tours, and educational programs.
- Swedish Heritage Focus: Offers an in-depth exploration of Swedish culture within the context of Minnesota
- Historic Mansion Tour: Includes a tour of Turnblad Mansion, a National Historic Landmark
- Educational Programs: Provides various educational programs, including language classes and cultural events
5. Weisman Art Museum (WAM)
The Weisman Art Museum focuses on American art, with a strong emphasis on contemporary works. Its unique architecture is a work of art itself.
- Contemporary Art Focus: Specializes in contemporary American art
- Architectural Landmark: Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is a unique architectural landmark
- Affordable Admission: Offers affordable admission fees for visitors
6. Minnesota Children's Museum
A hands-on children's museum that offers interactive exhibits and educational programs to engage young minds.
- Hands-On Experience: Provides a hands-on, interactive experience for children
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs designed to support children's learning and growth
- Accessible for Families: Designed to be family-friendly, with accessible exhibits for a variety of ages
7. Minnesota Marine Art Museum
An art museum dedicated to maritime and coastal art, featuring works by prominent artists such as Winslow Homer.
- Maritime Focus: Specializes in maritime and coastal art, making it unique among museums
- Prominent Artists: Features works by well-known artists such as Winslow Homer
- Lakeside Setting: Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a scenic lakeside setting for visitors
8. Mill City Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of Minneapolis and its milling industry. The museum is located in the ruins of one of the largest flour mills in the world.
- Milling Industry Focus: Explores the history of Minneapolis's milling industry
- Unique Architecture: Located in the ruins of a historic flour mill, showcasing unique architecture
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors in learning about Minneapolis history
9. Minnesota History Center
A museum dedicated to the history of Minnesota, featuring permanent and rotating exhibitions.
- State History Focus: Specializes in the history of Minnesota
- Permanent & Rotating Exhibits: Features both permanent and rotating exhibitions
- Community Engagement: Engages with the local community to preserve and share Minnesota's history
10. Frogtown Neighborhood Museum & Cultural Center
A cultural center that shares the stories of Saint Paul's Frogtown neighborhood and its diverse communities.
- Community-Focused: Shares the history and culture of Saint Paul's Frogtown neighborhood
- Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding
- Community-Led Programs: Offers community-led programs that engage visitors in the local culture
11. James J. Hill House
A National Historic Landmark that offers tours of the opulent home of railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his family.
- Historic Mansion Tour: Provides tours of a historic mansion, offering a glimpse into the past
- Railroad History Focus: Explores the history of railroads through the life and home of James J. Hill
- Beautiful Architecture: Features beautiful architecture that showcases the opulence of the Gilded Age
12. The Bakken Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and impact of electricity and medical devices. The museum was founded by Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, a pioneer in electric medicine.
- Electricity & Medical Devices Focus: Specializes in the history and impact of electricity and medical devices
- Founded by a Pioneer: Was founded by Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, a pioneer in electric medicine
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors in learning about electricity and medical devices
13. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
An outdoor sculpture park located adjacent to the Walker Art Center. The garden features over 40 significant sculptures.
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Features an outdoor sculpture garden showcasing significant works
- Adjacent to Walker Art Center: Located adjacent to the Walker Art Center, allowing for easy access to both attractions
- Spacious & Accessible: Is spacious and accessible, making it a great destination for a leisurely walk or picnic
14. Soap Factory Art Center
An art center located in an old soap factory, featuring contemporary art exhibitions and artist studios.
- Contemporary Art Focus: Specializes in contemporary art
- Artist Studios: Provides studio spaces for local artists to create and showcase their work
- Unique Architecture: Located in an old soap factory, offering a unique architectural experience
15. The Textile Center
A textile arts center that offers classes, exhibitions, and a shop selling fiber arts materials.
- Textile Arts Focus: Specializes in the education, promotion, and creation of textile arts
- Classes & Workshops: Offers classes and workshops for people interested in fiber arts
- Shopping Opportunities: Features a shop selling fiber arts materials and handmade textiles