Museum Tour of Minneapolis

A Museum Tour of Minneapolis

by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard

Walker Museum

There were many things I missed about my "home town" of Minneapolis while I was living in Los Angeles for a large chunk of my young adult life. Though L.A. has an impressive arts culture, I realized that one of the things I missed most about the Twin Cities was the diverse museums and galleries in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. I'll start with Minneapolis here and focus on St. Paul's offerings next time around.

A veritable arts mecca, Minneapolis has many options for art aficionados and history buffs looking for a bit of visual and intellectual stimulation. I find myself frequently "playing the tourist" and visiting these engaging places with family and friends (or sometimes by myself on a quiet afternoon). The strong programming, rotating shows and tours and educational opportunities make me want to keep coming back for more. Here are some suggestions to get you going on the West side of the river.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
(888) MIA ARTS (642-2787)
One of the Twin Cities' premier arts institutions, the MIA houses an impressive collection of visual arts from myriad cultures and eras. It is known for its extensive collection of Asian art (a large part of it donated by the local Dayton family), period rooms, and regular rotating shows. Taking advantage of the excellent educational programming for children and adults (most of it free) makes for a well-rounded visit.
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Minneapolis is fortunate to be home to the world- renowned Walker Arts Center, a contemporary arts institution committed to interdisciplinary programming. In addition to its extensive permanent collection and expertly-curated touring shows, the Walker also hosts lecture, performing arts and film series throughout the year. The open-air sculpture garden across the street is one of the crown jewels of Minneapolis and is free and open to the public.
The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA)
5500 Stevens Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1933
(612) 821-9045
A more recent addition to the Minneapolis arts scene, TMORA holds the unique distinction of being the only museum in North America dedicated exclusively to the preservation and presentation of Russian art and artifacts. Its permanent collection is housed in a light-filled renovated historical building (formerly used as a worship space). The museum also features rotating exhibitions of Russian works that are seldom shown the in the United States.
Mill City Museum
704 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55401
612)-341-7555

Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the Mill City Museum is housed in a renovated mill on the Mississippi Riverfront. The experiential visit takes you through the history of Minneapolis' flour milling culture (be sure to get tickets for the "elevator ride"). Rotating films, photography exhibits and lectures help to keep the experience fresh and bridge the past to Minneapolis' present. In the summer, Mill City hosts a concert series in its breathtaking inner courtyard. For architecture lovers, the skillful and aesthetically pleasing renovation of the historic space alone is worth the visit.

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard