ARTS & CULTURE THE VISUAL ARTS Must-See Art Museums From rare artifacts to modernist masterpieces and contemporary works, Minnesota’s museums are a sight to see. MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL The Minneapolis Institute of Art is often ranked among the country’s most comprehensive art museums. It houses more than 80,000 objects and spans 5,000 years, with free general admission to the permanent collection. The Walker Art Center is world-renowned for its contemporary art collection and exceptional programming. Don’t miss the sprawling, free-to-roam Minneapolis Sculpture Garden across the street. The Weisman Art Museum is known for its grandiose Frank Gehry building on the University of Minnesota campus and special exhibits ranging from modernist paintings to photography. The Goldstein Museum of Design also features rotating exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. Housed in a refurbished church, The Museum of Russian Art is the only North American museum dedicated to the preservation of Russian artifacts. Cats.” It features her lithographs, illustrations and books. The Rochester Art Center presents contemporary exhibitions of international artists in an architecturally stunning building downtown. NORTHEAST MINNESOTA The Tweed Museum of Art at the University of Minnesota-Duluth is home to a unique collection of commissions by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force and special temporary exhibitions. Photography buffs can head to Brandenburg Gallery in Ely, which houses stunning images by Minnesota native and National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg. Find a second Brandenburg Gallery in the opposite corner of the state, in the town of Luverne. Rourke Art Gallery + Museum Credit: Visit Fargo-Moorhead CENTRAL MINNESOTA While the large-scale landscapes of Francis Lee Jaques grace dioramas at several natural history museums – including Minneapolis’s own Bell Museum – his original work can be found at the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin. Visitors to St. John’s University in Collegeville can view selected folios of The Saint John’s Bible and other rare exhibits at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library . Beyond the Minneapolis Institute of Art SOUTHERN MINNESOTA The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona features fi ne art exhibitions inspired by water-centric landscapes and themes. The Wanda Gag House in New Ulm is the childhood home of the children’s author best known for “Millions of 38 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 38
