Top 20 best museums in Minneapolis

The Walker Art Center, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a renowned art museum that was established in 1879 by Thomas Barlow Walker, a lumberjack. This institution has a rich history and has been a significant part of the city's cultural landscape for over a century.

The Purcell-Cutts House, originally known as the Edna S. Purcell house, is a significant example of Prairie School architecture located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The house was designed in 1913 by the architectural firm of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie for the architect William Purcell and his family. The design of the house is notable for its long, narrow floor plan that breaks away from traditional Victorian concepts about room divisions.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art, established in 1883, is a significant art museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It is one of the largest museums in the country, boasting a collection of over 100,000 objects that cover a historical period of 5,000 years. This vast collection offers visitors a chance to explore art from different eras and cultures, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The American Swedish Institute (ASI) is a museum and cultural center located in the Phillips West neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The institute is dedicated to preserving and studying the historic role that Sweden and Swedish Americans have played in US culture and history. It serves as a gathering place for people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment, and the arts, all informed by enduring links to Sweden.

In 1993, the Weisman Art Museum moved to its current location, a building designed by the renowned Canadian-born American architect Frank Gehry. The museum was renamed in honor of the art collector and philanthropist Frederick R. Weisman, marking a new chapter in its history.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a significant 11-acre park located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is operated in collaboration with the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. This partnership ensures the park's maintenance and the coordination of its various activities and installations.

In 1878, the mill complex was destroyed by an explosion that killed 18 people. Despite this tragic event, the mill was later rebuilt and continued to operate until 1965. Today, the Mill City Museum stands as a testament to the resilience and industrial spirit of the city.

The Bakken Museum, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a science museum that was established in 1975. The museum was founded by Earl Bakken, who is also the co-founder of Medtronic. The museum offers a unique blend of science, technology, and humanities through its interactive exhibits.

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum (MSM) is a unique transport museum that operates two heritage streetcar lines. These lines are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the western suburb of Excelsior. Visitors to the museum can experience a ride on these historic streetcars, providing a glimpse into the past of Minnesota's transportation history.

The Somali Museum of Minnesota boasts a collection of over 1000 traditional nomadic artifacts from Somalia. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Somali people. In addition to the artifact collection, the museum also offers educational programming about Somali culture, arts events, and cross-cultural activities. These programs aim to promote understanding and appreciation of Somali culture among visitors.

The Katherine E. Nash Gallery is a prominent art gallery situated within the University of Minnesota Department of Art. It is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This location offers visitors a unique blend of art and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA), located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, holds a unique position as the only major institution in North America that is entirely dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Russian art and culture. This spans across all periods of Russia's rich and diverse history. The museum was founded by Raymond and Susan Johnson, who are renowned art collectors. Their dedication to Russian art has resulted in a collection that provides a comprehensive overview of Russian culture and history through its art.

The Goldstein Museum of Design, also known as GMD, is located on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. It is an integral part of the university's College of Design. Founded in 1976, it is the only museum in the Upper Midwest that specializes in designed objects.

The John Harrington Stevens House holds a significant place in the history of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was the first authorized house to be built on the west bank of the Mississippi River in the area that would later become the city of Minneapolis. This historic structure provides a glimpse into the early settlement and development of the city.

The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) is a unique institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It operates several heritage transportation sites across Minnesota and even one in Wisconsin. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of local transportation, including railroads, buses, and streetcars. It's a great place for tourists interested in transportation history to explore.

The Hennepin History Museum is a unique institution that focuses on the history, people, and communities of Hennepin County, Minnesota. It provides a comprehensive look into the past of this region, offering visitors a chance to understand the area's history and its impact on the present day.