Often underestimated, the city of Minneapolis is one of North America’s hidden gems, with a dramatic riverfront skyline, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a plethora of theaters and museums all over the city. It is also a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of influences from all over the world. The city has parks and lakes galore, but also cultural landmarks like Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center, and the iconic Minneapolis Institute of Art, which is home to thousands of art pieces. As we learn about the city’s fine arts scene, we will take a deep dive into Minneapolis Institute of Art, and see some of the best things to do, what to eat, what to buy, and some useful travel tips that you should know before planning a visit. Here’s a guide to Minneapolis Institute of Art.
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Things to do / Highlights
Check out the exhibitions
Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to over 90,000 artworks from all over the world, spanning about 5,000 years. The museum includes a mix of permanent collections that are free for guests plus some special exhibits that require a paid ticket and are only available for a limited time.
Join family-friendly activities
Plan a family-friendly day at Minneapolis Institute of Art. To make your visit with the kids even more pleasant, the museum features a nursing room, a drop-in family play space, free monthly family events, and scavenger hunt activities for kids. There’s also a free exhibition of and by children and teens available for a limited period, so we recommend you don’t miss it.
Learn about the museum's programs
From classes and tours to films and different activities, the museum is always an educational and entertaining destination for people of all ages. Whether you’re planning a family visit or a school tour or you’re looking to attend a community event, you can check out the program list on the museum’s official website.
What to eat
Agra Culture Kitchen Mia
Take a break from all the activities and art viewing and stop by Agra Culture Kitchen Mia for lunch. Located inside the museum, the counter-serve restaurant welcomes guests in modern, minimalist décor and serves healthy food and drinks. Agra is equal parts restaurant at the mezzanine and also a café at the lower level.
The menu features a selection of flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and sides. We recommend their Fiesta Flatbread or the Agra bowl for lunch. Their menu includes vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free options too. For drinks, there’s a selection of cold-pressed juices, coffee, tea, and smoothies.
Things to buy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Before you head out of Minneapolis Institute of Art, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop. You can buy a souvenir and take some of the branded merchandise home with you, whether it’s a t-shirt, a watercolor set for your inner artist, a cool mug, or a fridge magnet depicting one of the works of art found in the museum. If you want to be more practical, we recommend you purchase a pair of socks, a branded pen, or a sketchbook. If you’re an arts and culture aficionado, you’ll also find lots of great art books available here. You can also shop for children’s books, handcrafted jewelry and accessories, and other gifts.
Travelers tips
Check the calendar
Since the museum offers a wide variety of kids’ programs and activities, it might get crowded during school holidays, so make sure you schedule your visit accordingly.
Museum accessibility
The museum is accessible by those in wheelchairs and scooters. It also welcomes personal walkers. You can also request for a wheelchair, but they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend you call the museum at 612.870.3000 at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a wheelchair. Service dogs are also permitted on the premises to assist museum visitors.
Rules and regulations
For a full read of the museum’s rules and regulations, we recommend you consult their website before your visit, but it contains information on what you should avoid carrying, respecting the boundaries when it comes to viewing the artworks, use of cellphones in lobbies and in the cafe only, and more.
How to get there
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Car
Visitors who prefer to come to the museum by car have several parking options. A full map with all the parking spaces available can be found online. The parking fee is 5 USD for the first hour and then 1 USD for any additional hour, up to a daily maximum of 12 USD.
Bike
If you prefer biking, Minneapolis Institute of Art has made it easier for bikers by placing bike racks at the entrance on 3rd Avenue and the first level of the parking ramp on 25th Street.
Public transport
Access to the museum can also be made via public transport. The museum is located along the Metro Transit route 11, but there are other bus lines available in proximity to the museum too.
How to get tickets
General admission to the museum is free, but special exhibitions and events require tickets. Some free programs still require tickets or reservations in advance.
Tickets can be booked online, on the official website of Minneapolis Institute of Art, via phone at 612.870.3000, or at the Visitor Services desk at the lobby on Third Avenue.
Minneapolis Institute of Art information
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Official website: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Board of tourism: Minneapolis
History
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