Welcome to Minneapolis, where the art scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself! From grand museums with timeless masterpieces to quirky galleries with contemporary exhibits, there’s something to spark everyone’s imagination. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a fun day out, these art galleries are must-visit during your next trip to the Twin Cities!
Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
Roam the expansive halls of MIA, where every corner reveals unique works of art. Home to rotating exhibitions, you’ll find everything from antique Dutch landscapes to Buddhist robes and decades-old kitchen photographs. Thursdays come alive at the adults-only Meet at Mia nights—expect live music, workshops, and delicious snacks. Outdoors, Target Park buzzes with bike nights, outdoor movies, and art classes al fresco, making every visit a new adventure.
Walker Art Center
The Walker’s imposing cubist facade hides a treasure trove of art in downtown Minneapolis. Inside, check out rotating exhibits like Keith Haring’s vibrant sketches, paintings and sculptures. Peruse the gallery for free on Thursday nights (the gallery stays open late). And be sure to explore the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where the giant cherry and spoon installation, Peanuts characters, and a striking cobalt rooster offer Instagram-worthy photo ops.
Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum, a gleaming chrome landmark, is as artistic outside as it is within. Located on the University of Minnesota’s campus, this striking geometric museum strives to make art an inclusive experience. Stop by for the 30-minute Art Bites tour, where student guides show off the unique galleries. Encounter over 30,000 works of art, from glass fish sculptures to graffiti-inspired pieces, and an extensive collection of traditional Korean furniture from the Choson and Silla dynasties. During Open Studio sessions, channel your inner artist with watercolor, stencils, and collage-making. For a unique keepsake, rent a piece of art to enjoy at home!
Groveland Gallery
Under the historic Frank B. Long House’s iconic emerald roof, Groveland Gallery showcases Midwestern art in an intimate setting. Wander ever-changing exhibits (exhibitions change every six weeks) nestled among preserved 1890s architecture. The gallery also hosts events like dance performances on the front porch, string quartet concerts, and the annual Plein Air SmackDown, where artists paint outdoors with the picturesque Lake Harriet as a backdrop.
Soo Visual Arts Center
In Uptown Minneapolis, Soo Visual Arts Center is a hub of creativity. Play mahjong, sip tea, and attend artist-led workshops to discover your artistic style. Check out rotating exhibitions like EKPHRASTIC 4.0, which combines on-site drawing with narrative writing, while Hallie Bahn’s animation shows offer whimsical insights into humanity, making each visit interactive and enlightening.
Form + Content Gallery
This contemporary, artist-run gallery offers a rotating showcase of resident artists in the North Loop. Discover hyper-realistic pencil drawings, impressionist landscapes, and intricate linocut portraits. Engage with artists through weekly lectures, poetry readings, and open forums, fostering a dynamic dialogue between creators and visitors.
Bockley Gallery
Located in Kenwood, Bockley Gallery immerses visitors in Indigenous art from the Great Lakes region. Experience fiber art, surrealist sculptures, and multimedia canvases that reflect vibrant, everyday life via ever-changing exhibitions. Celebrated artists like Frank Big Bear and Star Wallowing Bull bring their unique perspectives, enriching the gallery’s curated collections with pencil drawings and colored pencils on canvas.
Rosalux Gallery
At Rosalux Gallery, discover whimsical installations like sequined globes and floor-to-ceiling ink prints. Abstract ink collages in the upcoming exhibition “Diary of an Artist” offer a glimpse into an artist’s life, while vibrant paintings evoke lost childhoods. The annual GREEN! night raffle gives visitors a chance to win original art, making every visit memorable.
