Dropped in last night for their free Thursday evening admission. All I had to do was check-in at the front desk and receive a small medallion to wear. They even had a fun free craft going on in the basement, all supplies included and snacks! Yay! I just took an explore at my own pace through a couple of exhibits. The docents are a little creepy... I know they're just doing their job by standing there staring at you or following you around (probably because guests are bad at respecting the rules), but yeah, I found them a little distracting/detracting from the experience. Oh well. I just tried to ignore it and focus on the art as best I could. Moving from room to room and spiralling up gradual stairways will kind of get you lost inside the building. It's large and has multiple floors. The space will shift from cozy to grandiose at a moment's notice. If you don't like being lost, grab a map before you go in. If getting lost is a fun part of the experience for you, then by all means, just enjoy following your nose like I did, haha! I happened to be there on opening night for the new kid's exhibit they added, where you are encouraged to touch as part of exploration. It's not terribly large, but I like things that encourage imaginative play. Shame I saw one lady just staring at her cell phone like a drone while her kid played beside her. There are all-gender bathrooms on the ground floor by the lobby, and additional restrooms scattered throughout the center (when you stumble across them, lol). There are also coat closets for you to hang your coat if you don't need it; they keep the center nice and warm inside! There is an occasional water fountain as well, which is a godsend since they do not allow you to carry ANY drinks (even recloseable water bottles like Hydroflasks) into the exhibit spaces. There are also a couple of gift shops. The one in the lobby has affordable things, the one deeper in on the second floor is like modern art for your home + a wall of books. There are a couple of theatres inside, along with a full restaurant (y'know, if you have money for fancy-schmancy things like eating, oops). For parking you have a couple options: you can utilize the surface lot for $5 and it'll last you until midnight, or you can use the underground lot for $8. Depending on the weather conditions, that extra $3 might make it worth it to you to choose the underground space. On a chilly Thursday November evening, I still chose the outdoor lot and there were plenty of parking spaces available. There is also the option of squeezing into parallel parking along Vineland and using the meters. Obviously, the sculpture garden is also right next door to explore at any time of day for free. I highly recommend it, if only to take a quick selfie with the Cherry & Spoon or blue Cock. read more

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I had the pleasure of attending the performance of Shamel Pitts - Tribe: Marks of Red on Saturday and 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. read more

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The Walker Art Center is such a fun place to visit. I recently started volunteering at the Walker and got to see and hear about a lot of the events and things they have going on here. They have Free First Saturday's, After Hours parties, Moving Art and more. The exhibits have always been really cool here. A lot of exciting things to see and learn about. I recently attended one of the After Hours events and it was packed with arts and crafts projects, mini golf, skyline views, cash bars, live music and more. It was a lot of fun. They have metered street parking, pay lot or a ramp. There's also some residential parking if you don't mind walking a bit. read more

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There will be things that are out there; that's the nature of modern art. While I wasn't a fan of some things, the Walker undeniably does a great job curating exhibits that showcase different perspectives and mediums that showcase important aspects of history. Exhibits range from video compilations, collections of manuscripts, tapestries, and other more traditional mediums such as stencil, oil pastel, etc. I had multiple favorites including a wall of magazine pages recording the most popular art pieces by the number of mentions in print media and another exhibit that highlighted the harmful effects of colonialism through a room of tapestry that changes based on which side of the room you viewed the tapestries. With 8 floors, there is something for everyone and a lot of art to go through. You can easily spend a whole day in here and not finish seeing all the exhibits. But at least if they close, you can walk across the street and enjoy the Sculpture Garden and get a bite in the area. I would go as far to recommend the Walker over the MIA. read more

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I've been wanting to come to this museum for a while! I went here after a nice brunch in the area, and love every second of it. Beautiful art. Quiet place! If you have EBT you have free entry. There is a parking ramp with a charge of $8. A amazing place and I definitely recommend. Someone took the time to explain the museum to us, and where everything is. Offered our kiddo a pencil and paper to write and color on. Told us about the kid areas around the museum where you can have a quit stop with your kiddo to color. You absolutely cannot touch the art! There was a worker who almost grabbed our kiddo when he touched an art piece, which was the only con. Overall everything was good. read more

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It's always a joy visiting here! I love that they have free Thursday nights and free first Saturdays: it's a great way to experience the space. They have some fascinating exhibits: some quirky, most intellectually stimulating, and they rotate frequently so you can visit and see different things each time. The main time I visit each year? BAA! I SO look forward to British Arrow Awards every year: a quirky compilation of British TV adverts that are funny, sad, cute, and bizarre. This is shown in a format similar to the Oscar nominated shorts: in one of the Walker theaters. Tickets sell out FAST and it's surely the busiest season at the Walker! I seem to come on the busiest times - free days and BAA showings - so we always end up parking in their underground lot. They have SOOO much parking there, which is great! It's not cheap, but it's handy and supports the Walker. I need to give their summer rooftop mini golf a try this year! read more

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Another gem in Minneapolis. The outside sculpture garden is perfect to take in for an afternoon walk. There are many unique sculptures to consider and of course the most famous Cherry and Spoon sculpture. read more

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First time seeing a performance in the McGuire theater. Lovely, intimate space. Was lucky enough to see "Cuckoo" by Jaha Koo. Very moving. Somewhat accessible space, have elevators and appears to have limited accessible seating. Parking onsite for a fee. read more

Walker Art Center - The spoonbridge looks beautiful at night! - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Mini golf is super cute. So much fun for all ages. The art incorporated into the golf is so cool! Beautiful view of downtown. read more

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This is a top-notch museum and always has wonderful exhibitions. Pay attention to their website as they offer free entry regularly. You might leave feeling very inspired. read more

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This review is exclusively for the Walker Cinema (which is billed separately from a normal Walker ticket) & the lobby area. I came to the cinema for the first time to see Contact; it's cool that they have runs of older movies so we can see them in the theater! The Walker itself is beautiful, I love the sculpture garden. Here are the negatives, though: --a ticket was $15, which is fairly steep for literally just sitting in a (fairly cramped, there was barely any leg room, the seats didn't recline, etc.) theater for the movie --there are no concessions. I saw people with coffee cups & water bottles, other things they'd brought in, but I didn't know if we could bring things in or if there would be things for sale --the volume was INSANE. I had to wear my concert earplugs, which were luckily in my purse, because I was getting blasted away by the volume All in all, I'd go again if this were free, or if it were included as part of a general trip to the museum. I think it's too expensive for what you got, & really the theater was not comfortable. read more

Walker Art Center - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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If you go when it's free, it's worth it. I love the outdoor sculpture garden area but I don't love the museum inside, I prefer Mia inside especially since Mia is free. Can't miss the spoon and cherry here or the big blue...rooster. read more

2 stars with context *with* strollers and a young family, the movement/fluid from one room to the next 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. read more

I visited Walker for their Free First Saturday event with my kids and we had a great time. read more

Walker Art Center - Clay beads (we made snowman) - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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The Walker Art Center is a modern and contemporary art museum in Minneapolis. Outside you'll find the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. There are 11 galleries, cinema, a theater. They also have a cafe. read more

Walker Art Center - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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We are here visiting and today was a beautiful day to enjoy the great outdoors viewing all the art in this amazing setting. The fall leaves are falling and there were a ton of lady bugs all around the park area. It's free to walk around and $8 to park in the nearby/convenient covered parking garage. I highly recommend this if you are in the area. There is more art indoors and a fee to go in but we ran out of time after spending a couple hours in the outdoor gardens enjoying so many cool pieces of art. read more

Walker Art Center - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I planned a date night for me and my partner, and overall it was a good experience! 1 - You can explore the art exhibits for free on Thursday nights! It was BUSY on a July summer night, but still enjoyable! Get your free ticket online before you go to avoid Check in lines. And the time you select doesn't matter FYI! The art was very interesting even for someone who isn't too into art! 2 - The mini golf. It was $12 a person and on the rooftop of the art center. The "holes" are artsy and more like mini games. Don't come expecting a real competitive round of mini golf haha, and the lines were long at each hole. Overall would not do again as an adult, but all the kids I saw enjoyed it! 3 - Park in the sculpture garden lot, cheaper and a nice walk! 4 - the attached restaurant looked expensive, but the Patio could be worth it for a drink or 2!! 4 stars! read more

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The Walker is a bunker-like box near Loring Park. I am sure you have driven by it without even noticing it. It's game is modern art and it does it well. While nowhere near the size of the MIA, it packs a solid punch of contemporary art across many mediums. Also, if you have kids, the first Saturday is free and it is family day, where they have lots of activities for the kids. My kids approve of this review. And unlike most modern art museums in the country, it has a sculpture garden across the street. They also have some food options and a really good gift shop. I always find parking nearby on the street, so that is always a plus when lugging little ones around. read more

Such a classy establishment, making the appreciation of fine art accessible to everyone regardless of language or household income. The art collection is constantly changing, so there's always something new to admire. The building is always clean and the galleries are easily accessible. My kids love the rooftop mini golf (additional charge). Be sure to take some group photos while on the rooftop before the views of the Minneapolis skyline is fabulous. When my hubby and I were poor college kids, we would come here for date nights during their free Thursday nights (admission is free 5-9pm), or the first Saturday of the month. A few on-street free parking spots are available, but there is ample paid parking a block away, or for a few more dollars you can park in the underground garage. read more

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I went on their Free First Thursday Night with my 6 year old. They had a weaving craft in the Lab which was much more fun than I expected. I would have loved to come alone to take in more of the art and reading of descriptions which my kid did not have the patience for. There were ping pong tables and we sat and waited for our turn but by the time the prior group left the staff told us they were putting them away for the night. It would have been nice if they could have told us thay prior to us waiting 20 minutes. I don't know what the benefit would be of going on a paid night? read more

Walker Art Center - Weaving project at the Lab. - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

A long overdue review. Back in the day my family and I would periodically hike across Hennepin Ave to enjoy Sunday brunch at the Cafe and then wander through the galleries. Then the Walker was expanded and gone was the familiar, comfortable Cafe and since then dining options have undergone several permutations. While the gallery space has significantly expanded and the addition, while quite different from the original Barnes designed structure resulted in what is to me a pleasing blend of the flashy newer with the more restrained older. The more modern Herzog & de Meuron creation seems to me an exuberant, if somewhat calculated, addition to the more austere somewhat utilitarian building. Somehow it all seems to work IMHO. The artwork (including the occasional performance or film) is "modern" and to me an acquired taste. That said I have found some amazing pieces that are well worthy of my attention and interpretation. I've heard it said that art should challenge the viewer. Consider this writer so challenged. The outdoor sculpture garden with its accompanying conservatory is a very agreeable place to while away a few hours (when weather cooperates). I have attended weddings and receptions in the conservatory and I think that space serves well in such a capacity. Alas the Guthrie has left the confines of its adjacent Groveland location and thus no longer offers the opportunity to spontaneously enjoy pre-theatre romps into the Walker. But it can be argued that both outgrew their respective spaces and now provide greater opportunities and experiences. read more

Haven't been here in many years but recently went to a viewing of the British Arrow Awards Easy to check in and they had a small bar where you get wine or a cocktail ,we walked instead of parking over here so can't comment on the parking. Inside was very clean and modern. I want to come back and check out the brunch at Cardomom as I've been intrigued by their menu and pictures on social media read more

Walker Art Center - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Walker is beautiful, lovely helpful staff, and plenty of docents. I went twice in two days to see the Keith Haring exhibit. Entry was easy because I got my tickets in advance. The exhibition had great pieces and really good videos. But the galleries? Quite inaccessible with broad stairways between many of the galleries. Signage in the museum was overall poor, and the gift shop was inadequate. The wait for a bottle of water inside was 45 minutes and outdoors 30. Ask the families with strollers or wheelchairs if the Walker is accessible. Better still, check with ADA. read more

FREE THURSDAY AFTER 5PM We were vacationing in Minneapolis for a week and visited the Walker on 'Free Thursday after 5pm'. While we enjoyed the Keith Haring exhibit, we didn't realize (and the front desk neglected to inform us) that it was the only exhibit open for viewing that night, which was disappointing. Also, probably due to the fact it was 'free night' there were several kids running around and being noisy. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE... Besides the art museum, we spent time wandering the adjacent sculpture garden where you can photograph the iconic 'Spoonbridge and Cherry' and see great views of the surrounding city, including the Basilica of Saint Mary, which is only a 10 minute walk away and worth seeing. ROOFTOP MINI-GOLF While at the Walker, we played 'Skyline Mini-golf', which is a 10-hole rooftop course, probably one like no other you've played! Check-in and pay at the front desk and take the elevator up to the rooftop for play. CARDAMOM CAFE In order to kill time before the 5pm free opening (and not a minute before!) we had a hot drink at the museum cafe 'Cardamom', which has a minimalist, high-end vibe. EXIT THROUGH THE (SMALL) GIFT SHOP The gift shop is small compared to many other art museums. LOCKERS There are lockers available near the bathrooms, ideal if you need to stow a backpack or oversized bag like we did. The staff gave us 25 cents for it and we were able to access it a few times during our visit. I teetered on giving the Walker a 3 or a 4 due to the fact there was only one exhibit open on free night, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt as probably if we'd paid to go in at another time, it would have been a much fuller experience. Did you find this review helpful? read more

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The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN, is a true gem for art enthusiasts. Its contemporary and diverse collection showcases thought-provoking and innovative works across various mediums. The museum's striking architecture, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, adds to the overall experience. With ever-changing exhibitions, the Walker continually offers fresh perspectives and engages visitors with the cutting-edge art scene. Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Walker Art Center is a must-visit destination that ignites creativity and fosters a deeper appreciation for modern artistic expression. Street Parking & Paid Parking lot Clean restroom Outside sculptures Good to spend with family and kids Coffee shop read more

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I cannot remember when we were last here on one of our visits to see relatives. So we stopped on a cool rainy Saturday when it first opened for the day and nabbed a street parking spot which was cheaper than the museum's garage. Once we paid we took the elevator to the top floor and worked our way down. Some real famous artists and pieces are represented here. Modern art is always interesting. Their extensive exhibits on Eastern European artist during the Cold War was fascinating. I must say I found their "trigger warnings" entertaining in their own way. We did wander over to the new building and I was surprised that there was only one gallery given the size of this extension. On our way out we did a quick tour through their famous sculpture garden. I do love the blue chicken. Do stop. read more

Great midsized art museum which exhibits contemporary and modern art. I recommend taking the elevator to the top and work down. read more

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Okay WOW! I didn't expect a museum cafe to have such incredible food!! We got the hummus tray and couldn't recommend more. If you're wanting desert make sure to try the pistachio affogato - it's one of the best I've ever had Italy included!! Such a fun day date idea for the girls or for yourself! read more

Walker Art Center - Pistachio affogato - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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It's a world-class museum worth seeing! If you're a fan of contemporary art, this is the place to visit in Minneapolis. The outdoor exhibits are free (think giant cherry and spoon, plus blue rooster) but indoor exhibits do have an entry fee. Except Thursday late afternoon when it's free. If you're local, I suggest buying the member pass as it's worth it so you can come back to exhibits that you weren't able to see and enjoy it with your family! A good café is right at the entrance and you don't need to pay museum entrance to enjoy its services. They do have a patio but it's closed during winter. Plenty of parking both street (free) and attached covered ($6). The attached parking entrance ramp is on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Enjoy and have fun! read more

Walker Art Center - Description of newest installation at the Walker - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Such a cute place to walk around! I love walking outside and I don't live far from here so it is a great place to take a stroll with some friends and family. They have a beautiful museum inside but I love any chance I get being outdoors. It is a good mix of modern and contemporary art. All of the art is amazing and I can never get enough of the spoonbridge and cherry. Plus right inside they have a cute little restaurant called Cardamom. I would love to try that place out soon! read more

I visited the Walker Art Center on my last day in Minneapolis. In true Minnesota fashion, it snowed on my last day, thus limiting me to indoor activities. Much to my surprise, I learned that museums were open despite the pandemic, yet with strict guidelines to ensure safety and prevent the spread of the virus. I was able to buy my ticket and book a time online very easily. I believe it was $10 or $15, which I found reasonable for an afternoon of museum fun. I really enjoyed the art on display, as it was a diverse mixture of modern and fine art, as well as local and international artists. As a plus, the Walker Art Center is right next to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and has a restaurant located inside, so you could easily make a day of this little area. read more

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Our most recent visit was to golf a round on their skyline mini golf course. Artist design holes to treat your eye and test your putting skills. My favorite was the one where all four people tee off at the same time to putt up a rainbow hill with the first to make getting to take one stroke off their score. Second fav was the plinko mirror hole. They allow you to play the holes in any order and as many times as you like. That was fun because we like to try different strategies in maneuvering the hurdles. We had to wait for 30 minutes before we could golf so our fee allowed us to enjoy the galleries beforehand. What an awesome way to 'wait' in line. The Walker always some art that makes me go hmmmmm. Their views of Minneapolis are outstanding. read more

Walker Art Center - Art Museums Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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The Sculpture Garden is beautiful and a great place to walk! Not a big fan of the inside of the art center. Would not recommend purchasing a ticket (you can go on Thursday evenings for free). read more

Pretentious. Ticket counter said we could bring our daughter's bottle inside if it stayed In the stroller. The second we walk in some lady starts screaming at me about the bottle (like their art is that important) and I tell her we were told we could bring it in, she doesn't care and tells more so I throw it away. Awful service and experience. Haven't gone back. It's boring anyways, also did I mention pretentious. Go to the MIA instead. Much better, more to see, more welcoming, free in fact. read more

If you visit Minneapolis, this amazing art museum has to be part of the trip. A wonderful collection of modern and contemporary art. Sculpture garden is very cool. Grab something to eat too! read more

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Fairly in line with a big city modern art museum. Some of the pieces are very aesthetically nice, others make you scratch your head (because symbolism). Not a bad place to visit. I'm sure I'm the 12th person to write this in their review, but Thursdays after 5 pm admission is free, just FYI. read more

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Lets get with the times All the cool states are on board Why the hell not us? Yeah, you all know what I'm talking about. So many of the exhibits here are just far too bizarre, too wacky to understand with a completely lucid mind. I'm sure the vast majority of the artists on display here had some "influences". If you don't have any fun enhancers with you, I would say you could easily hit all this place has to offer in three hours, although a couple exhibits on the first floor were closed on my most recent visit. I did not check out the mini-golf on the roof. Just had my relatively sane mind blown by the absurdity and scratch-your-headedness of this place. Make sure to stop into Esker Grove for a bite and/or drink when you are done. You will need it if you didn't bring something better. read more

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I am 100% no art aficionado but this was definitely worth a visit if you're visiting Minneapolis in the cold and looking for things to do. Tickets are $15/person with some discounts for students/seniors. The map inside is super confusing so just walk around and eventually you'll run in to all the exhibits. Some exhibits will definitely leave you wondering what the meaning was but that's the point right? The sculpture garden is in front of the museum and free to walk around. Probably better in the summer when it's not covered in 3 feet of snow, but it does have pretty views of the city as well. read more

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As a member of the Walker Art Center, we love visiting. They often have new exhibits around so each visit is different. Its a fun building with many floors and hallways to explore. During the summer, you can also hangout on the roof playing mini golf or stroll through the garden. The garden is also free to walk around, so you do not need to spend money to view some art in the heart of Minneapolis. My five stars really come from the change and variety you get with each visit, easy to navigate parking ramp, and accessibility to art at a low to no cost. From here, you can also explore Loring Park with a pedestrian bridge. The Walker Art Center is worth a visit if you are touring, or new to town, and for residents, a membership is highly worth it if you are looking for something year round. You will love the art and exhibits they host, and you will get to know your favorite pieces. read more

Enjoyed my time there, but I have to agree with some other reviewers that the place could be even better if they made clearer signage. Some times I wasn't sure where to go and just went where I thought I haven't gone before. Tickets are $15 for adults. Don't just throw away your ticket though, on the back of mine it says that the next gallery visit is free as long as I brought back the ticket, lasts for 6 months! They have lockers downstairs for you to put your things in, make sure to have a quarter (you get it back after)! Bathrooms are also down there. My favorite piece has to be the three pictures, a part of set, that showed people walking in the streets for Martin Luther King Jr's funeral. The docent was great help and aided us in understanding the piece more. Not to be THAT person, but I also spotted a piece that had "your a dead man" printed instead of "you're a dead man." For the most part the docents around the museum were helpful! Don't forget to head out to the sculpture garden afterwards! read more

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