Minneapolis Institute of Arts - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Minneapolis Institute of Arts - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) has a collection of over 100,000 objects. These cover many different cultures and span over 5000 years of history. Located at 2400 Third Avenue South in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it is a fantastic museum that allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of art and exhibits. The museum has been a part of Minneapolis history for a long time. It began as the brainchild of just twenty-five citizens in 1883 that were dedicated to their cause of bringing art into their community. The attractive neoclassical building that houses the Minneapolis Institute of Arts opened for the first time in 1915. Two wings have been added onto the museum since that time, one in 1974, which was designed by Kenzo Tange, and another in 2006 by Michael Graves.

The permanent collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts include African, Oceanic and Native American Art; Ancient Art; Architecture, Design, Decorative Arts, Crafts, and Sculpture; Asian Art; Paintings and Modern Sculpture; Photographs; Prints and Drawings; Textiles and a unique Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program that supports the art of artists who live in the state of Minnesota.

The MIA also has exhibits that change regularly and offer visitors a chance to experience many other types of art. For instance, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has featured photography detailing the San Francisco psychedelic scene, and a decorative and useful arts exhibit that features items used and made between 1640 and 1860 in America. Their website offers information about current and upcoming exhibits that will be showcased in one of the museum’s many galleries.

The museum offers a wide range of events for all ages. Youth programs include family days that feature music and dance, artist demonstrations, and hands on art activities. For older museum patrons, there is a wonderful lecture series, adult classes, and live Sunday morning concerts from area musicians.

The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase jewelry, post cards and other exceptional gifts. The library has a number of books to interest anyone, and the restaurant and café are available for your dining convenience. Audio tours and guided tours are also available. In addition, there are interactive learning stations that teach visitors about African art and Modernist design and allow them to create virtual embroidery, etc. For those that wish to view photos and prints that are currently not on display, the MIA offers study rooms that can be used by appointment.

Admission to the museum is free, thanks to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts members and other supporters of the museum. However, some exhibits occasionally charge for admission. The hours for the museum are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Thursdays, the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. It is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and July 4th. For more information call 1-888-642-2787.