If you are looking for something to do, or entertaining an art lover from out of town, the MIA is…read moreone of those overlooked treasures. I will start with a story. My cousin, a New York City native, was flying from Italy to New York, but couldn't get to NYC because of huge snowstorm, so she was diverted to Minneapolis (ironic, huh?). She happens to be an art teacher with a masters in Art History. Since she was "stuck" here, she asked if she could visit one of the art museums. She told me later that she thought it was probably going to be a 15 minute trip because "Who would believe that Minneapolis could have any art worth seeing, or at least in any quantity." That 15-minute planned visit took FOUR HOURS. She was impressed with not only the artists that are represented, but the quality of the artist's work that is displayed at the MIA. According to her, many museums have the famous-name artists, but not necessarily their "A" rated works. She raved about the diversity of artists, styles, time periods, etc. and kept calling it a min-version of Metropolitan Museum of Art. I explained to her that the museum is filled with donations from wealthy Minnesotans such as the MacMillans, the Daytons, as well as many corporate companies that are headquartered here such as Target, Medtronic, Ameriprise, Wells Fargo, and US Bank. When she got home, she kept telling me how she couldn't believe that it was free and that we actually parked (for free) right in front of the museum. She also told me that it gave her ideas for lesson plans for the next several months. This story exemplifies what we often take for granted. Minneapolis has several world-class museums and this is definitely in the top five. In addition to the permanent collections, there are always special exhibits (which do cost extra) that travel from museum to museum. For example, the Terracotta Warriors, Silver Treasures from Bergen, Norway, Native Photography, 1890 to Now, Ancient Egyptian Art from the British Museum, and a massive showcase of Impressionist masters that attracted 155,198 visitors. Also impressive is the variety of exhibits, such as Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, Dale Chihuly: Glass Installations 1964-1997, and Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine, which included The Reclining Vishnu: The centerpiece was a monumental, thousand-year-old bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu, which is considered a Cambodian national treasure. This 7-foot-long figure was reconstructed from fragments for the first time in centuries which too a years-long restoration project.

I loved thier special exhibit ( Modern Art and Politics ) and the Tibetan Meditation Room. The…read moreLayout is bizarre and some of my favorite artists weren't represented. The Minneapolis Art Institute is free. The Special exhibit is a special ticket that costs $$ unless you're a member. I went two days and I found free street parking not too far away. When I visited the Prairie Movement featuring Grant Wood and Frank Lolyd Wright I looked for Thomas Hart Benton... He was Missing in Action. MIA has several museum caliber pieces ( by Benton ), in storage. When I asked if they have any American Pop Art, the answer is Yes, but they were all MIA. In MIA's Not on View exhibit. When I asked about surrealism, they said if they have it, it's probably on the second floor. The Layout of MIA is by region and time period. The staff is very helpful at guiding me, but exact answers were challenging. Art is supposed to be for all. MIA has a massive collection, ten percent is on view at any given time. When you visit, you can type in the artist you are looking for on the website. Hopefully you'll be able to see what you seek.

One of my favorite day trips is to Taylor's Falls Minnesota! One of the stops we make is to…read moreFranconia Sculpture Park which is located about an hour from the Twin Cities metro area. It's an inexpensive and fun time for the whole family! There are over 100 artist designed sculptures and the grounds are a fun walk. They often have different events going on and the place is large enough that it never feels too crowded. We love the colors during the fall time but honestly every time of the year offers up something beautiful! There is a suggested donation of $10 per car and they have a nice building with bathrooms, a gift shop and drinks for purchase. They are dog friendly and even offer a few golf carts for rental if needed.

My first visit to the sculpture park was a great one. The fall day was warm but overcast. I loved…read moreall the colors of the trees. I was here with the Urban Sketchers group. I walked around the park to check out the artwork. I then decided to sketch two pieces. The area is so large that it can accommodate many people without seeming crowded. The day featured large puppets and folks on stilts. There was a scavenger hunt and pumpkin carving. Lots of families and pets. I was early so parking was easy. Make a donation to support this wonderful park.

marvelous selection, beautifully presented, by an incredible talent. Please visit April for an…read moreenergizing and inspirational encounter.

Fun place to go in down town north field. I purchased a few pens definitely worth the buy!read more

Alexis Bailly is such a fun, easy winery to visit, especially being so close to the cities…read more The setting is really beautiful and peaceful, perfect for a slow afternoon. There are a few different areas to sit and hang out, plus tables spread throughout the property. It's also dog friendly, which is a big plus. The wines are solid, and it's fun to try a variety, especially some of their more unique options. The staff was really helpful in making suggestions also and knew the history of the vineyard which was cool to learn more about. The only thing I felt was missing was more food. They do have a small section where you can grab items to build your own charcuterie board, but I'd love to see a few more food options added.

Tomery was the best! Always attentive and her advice on the wines has always been spot on! Alexis…read moreBailey is a hidden gem! Seek it out!

Beautiful museum and art collection in a modern and well-lit space. Incredible glasswork and other…read morepieces on exhibit.

First time visiting and I have to come back. The glass art on display was absolutely stunning. The…read morelighting is done so well to enhance what you are seeing. I tried to capture my fav piece by walking a video around it but the video just doesn't do it justice. You must see in person. I worked for West Publishing when Mr Cafesjian was an executive there so I have some familiarity with his love of art. It's hard to imagine some of these pieces being part of his home. Such beauty to view everyday. The museum is open to the public but you need to make a reservation at the set times. The guide is very knowledgeable and spends about 20 minutes talking then walks around the museum answering your questions. She was wonderful and a nice addition to the tour. Some of the pieces are on loan so stop back on occasion to see new art.

Incomparable little art boutique featuring a select few local artists in different media. The…read morepersonable owner is a singularly effective promoter of her town and well worth spending a few extra moments for conversation. Every now and then the Purple Turtle Artisan Collective takes its proverbial show on the road for a pop-up store incarnation which is how I first encountered it, and her. So, how I first encountered them, the store and Amanda Scholz, the owner. I'm not sure if I'm clarifying, so I'll move on. If you're within an hour or two drive, or if you have the time to take a little diversion between the Twin Cities and Milwaukee, very well worth your time. However you won't be able to get the unique Sarasvati water color on canvas because I picked up the last one.

So glad I found this great local artist shop. The owner was so helpful in telling me about how to…read moreuse the snippets of yarn. Very inspiring. Lots of pottery, fiber art, jewelry, just about everything.

2 stars with context *with* strollers and a young family, the movement/fluid from one room to the…read morenext was torture. Same with finding a changing station, I cut my hand in the airplane-feel bathroom on floor M, which isn't marked floor M within the elevator. I remembered my visit with my oldest in the summer and thought this family Saturday would be a great winter experience. It wasn't, but I personally enjoyed the sculpture room and Lineage exhibits! Recommend the walker during summer and with older children when forced inside.

I had the pleasure of attending the performance of Shamel Pitts - Tribe: Marks of Red on Saturday…read moreand it was interesting. I was very entertained as the performers were absolutely AMAZING. I enjoyed the space and I will be back another show and all of the other art parts that offer because I really love the arts. Go and be inspired.

Allen Christian opened his studio to the Urban Sketchers for an afternoon sketching event. There…read morewere so many things that caught my eye. I loved these figures that were formed from piano parts. Much of the art was created from things we might consider trash but to Allen it transforms into beautiful, and sometimes odd, works of art. Allen's imagination is limitless. I enjoyed seeing something from afar then stepping close to it to see individual screws, bolts, brushes, computer keys, or syringes. So cool. I also enjoyed meeting Allen and seeing him practicing his craft. What a fun place and gracious host.

Stopped here during Doors Open '26. I've never really adventured out to this area but was curious…read moreto see what this place was. It's an art gallery full of random oddities. Looks like most of the materials are recycled or thrifted which was cool to see some retro signs or parts. Never ran into the owner/person running the place to ask questions but I'd definitely like to know more about how some of the pieces come together and how they source items. Also not sure if pieces were for sell or it was strictly for show. Cool nonetheless.

Honestly this was the best time I've had in a while. Took a pottery class with a couple friends and…read morehad a BLAST. Jason was delightful and made us all laugh so much. He was so personable and remembered all of our names. He helped us a lot and we even got some help from Tim for a bit who made my cup look impeccable. When he left, I was left with lopsided tragic cups. I'd recommend this to everyone. We had so much fun and it's the perfect work bonding or friend group activity. I want to go back and do another class already. Oh and did I mention, there's wine included??

I HIGHLY recommend taking a pottery class from Jason; he was very responsive and flexible in…read moreplanning a private small group event. The class was super laid-back, fun, and each of us were able to pick up our creations in ~ a week. Jason's space is bright & open, and Jason personally is an awesome dude (and amazing artist)- and wait til you meet his dog :). I can go on & on, but book a class with some friends, de-stress if need be, have some fun.