Twin Cities Museums

      Read the Introduction on the Twin Cities Arts & Culture Scene

  • Science Museum of Minnesota - The Science Museum is a major producer of original and interactive exhibits that integrate nature, science, art, and culture.  Often touted as the most popular museum of the Upper Midwest, the museum has exciting and rotating exhibits on subjects such as dinosaurs, sharks, the human body, the Mississippi River, and other scientific arenas.  Explore the Big Back Yard exhibit for a round of mini-golf and learn about miniature golf course illustrate landscape evolution, river dynamics, and biodiversity from the features in the outdoor gallery.  You may also enjoy the special events, children's activities, special classes, or the 3D cinema films and Omnitheater films.
  • The Museum of Russian Art - This is the only museum in the US dedicated to 20th century Russian art and is likely the largest collection of its kind outside of the former Soviet Union.  
  • Walker Art Center - Opened in 1927, this was the first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest.  It is regarded as one of the foremost museums of contemporary modern art in the world.  The Walker Art Center is incredibly innovative in its choice of displays and is not afraid to welcome new artists that show potential.  The Walker has proudly discovered several now-famed artists.
  • Minneapolis Institute of the Arts - The Institute houses over 5,000 years of civilization in an encyclopedia-style collection of artworks.  The collection includes Rembrandt paintings and Greek sculptures.  Impressive holdings include the country's largest collection of classical Chinese art and architecture.
  • Frederick R Weisman Art Museum - The curvy, stainless steel exterior of this building is as much a work of art as the pieces contained inside.  This museum is located at the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus. The Weisman boasts a permanent collection of over 17,000 artworks and is also a center for live performances, lectures, and other cultural activities.
  • Minnesota Museum of American Art - Located in downtown Saint Paul, this museum presents works strictly from American-bred artists of the past and present.
  • Minneapolis Central Library - While not a museum per se, this state-of-the-art facility is an architectural beauty inside and out.  The Library, located in the heart of downtown, was recently completed in 2006 and designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli.  It is home to the largest library collection in the state and has a special area for kids and teens.
  • Minnesota Children's Museum - This special Museum in Saint Paul contains event exhibits geared to children.  Kids love the interactive play and exhibits.  Enjoy animal habitats, group activities, overnight campouts, and more.  The Rooftop ArtPark is a favorite playground when weather permits.
  • Bell Museum of Natural History - The Museum is located on the Minneapolis Campus of the University of Minnesota.  It is focused on the study and display of the state's diverse animal and plant life.  It has over 4 million specimens in its scientific collections.  The Museum is actively involved in ongoing scientific research and offers educational programs, museum tours, and phenomenal exhibits.  The Touch and See Room is a favorite with children as visitors can touch a live turtle or snake, a life-sized stuffed kodiak bear, or try on a set of moose antlers.
  • American Swedish Institute - This historic Turnblad mansion and museum offers a variety of programs designed to celebrate Swedish culture; Scandinavians had a significant impact on the early development of the Twin Cities area.  The "Swedish Life in the Twin Cities" exhibit explores the local Swedish-American community through photographs, diaries, vintage recordings, and immigrant artifacts. The Turnblad mansion is the only castle in the Twin Cities. Enjoy the collections of Swedish glass, decorative and fine arts, textiles, and other items from Sweden.