Hennepin History Museum

Located right by the MIA...this is a very unique and interesting museum...that I didn't even know about until I came here for an art workshop. Came here actually for an interesting art workshop called "Create 'Unexpected Art' with Becka Rahn" which involved creating images and computers and the final product would be a swatch of material from an image that I created!Which is to be mailed to the participant via mail.. which I haven't yet received...I took this workshop with a past participant who was raving about it ... I really did enjoy my experience and I am so looking forward to my finished product! $5 gets you in and also a tour of the museum/mansion.. oh what a deal.. and like Rhonda G. says below... it's really like having a Downtown Abbey right here in Minneapolis!FREE Parking that's connected to the museum, too! Look forward to attending more interesting events here in the future!

If you are a native Minneapolite - or even just a transplant / convert - check this place out. It's kitty-corner from the MIA so you can make a day of museum hopping followed by a meal at one of the many restaurants along nearby Eat Street (Nicollet Ave). For a minimal fee, you'll be able to check out the fantastically-curated exhibits that explore different topics relevant to Hennepin County's history through photographs, textiles, paintings, videos, audio-recordings, sculptures, artifacts, and more. It is a full-sensory experience in a historic mansion that cannot and should not be missed.In addition to traditional exhibitions, they have unique and fun programming - which sounds like it will be more frequent according to an article I read recently about the new director! Plus, the mansion is available as a venue rental. I even considered it for my upcoming wedding! The biggest downsides (and biggest complaints I had while working there) are 1) the fact that the building is not handicap accessible and 2) the lack of air conditioning in the summertime. It's an unfortunate reality about many historic buildings but even more so for HHM...as a non-profit and lesser-known museum, lots of funding is needed to facilitate the appropriate and allowed retrofitting while still protecting the historic integrity. Admittedly, I am a bit biased in my love of this place. When I graduated with my B.A. in cultural studies and comparative literature, I began scouring the Twin Cities for non-profit gigs, especially those in the Arts. I landed my first post-college job as a museum administrator at the Hennepin History Museum despite having never stepped foot in the mansion or even knowing of its existence. It was an amazing experience and I learned a lot, but the most valuable thing I learned was what an exceptional gem HHM is. Please do not miss out on the opportunity to explore!

This is one of my favorite museums. The history it covers is mainly that of Minneapolis so I find it's exibits very interesting. You won't find as many, or these kinds of Minneapolis exibits at other museums. I also love the library in here, they've got tons of files on many places of local importance both that are still around and those that are not. It's a great atmosphere for reading as well. The museum has a large Minneapolis area photo collection too, and will pull files with 2 days notice. I'm a member here so I can get in as many times as I wan't for free, and I recieve the Hennepin History magazine which is an excellent publication. Otherwise the admission is $5.00 for adults, and only $1.00 for kids (under 18)

I'm glad to have read this other review, because it brought the museum to my attention but...Knocks the socks off of MIA? Um.... no.I recommend going to both on a Thursday evening, as I just did.HHM = an historic house, a few rooms of memorabilia and local art. Total of four galleries.MIA = an embarrassment of riches.It is just apples and oranges. I'm glad to have been, and I think perhaps it would've been better to go for a special event or lecture.I spent less than half an hour there and felt like I had really seen the place. Then, I spent almost 2 hours at the MIA and felt as if I'd only touched the tip of the iceberg.

This is like having Downton Abbey right in Mpls. Sunday was the start of this bitter cold week, and all kinds of folks were walking around the neighborhood. I almost didn't come to an event and decided either your Minnesotan or you're not. You walk in and have to climb up a staircase, but the stairs aren't steep. The greeter, Alice was very helpful and friendly. On this level is where they hold the fireside chats, which is the reason I was there. It's got a beautiful fireplace, but the fire isn't real, and they don't have to deal with clean up. You have to get really up close to know it's not real either. The furniture is well preserved and extremely comfortable, no sagging chairs and sofas. I was sitting by the window reading, and it's such a moody atmosphere. Just right for the chat of the Twin Cities Sisters in Crime. I'm also the new president of this chapter, so this first event held a special meaning for me. There were 4 authors in the spotlight, featuring local hero, Ellen Hart. During the chat you could hear the wind howling. They even allow groups to bring food in and serve at the bar. The room behind this one is an art gallery which is just as modern looking as the fireside is old. Jack, the curator, is on hand as well overlooking everything and taking care of all needs.

This place wowed and surprised my date and I. We were just walking buy on a Friday afternoon and gave it a shot. Awesome displays, knowledgeable staff, unexpectedly interesting "disturbing" section. Minneapolis-based pieces of history. They had a 60s themed display when we were there. Particularly fun was thumbing through 200 yr old atlases together finding our current places of residence and other landmarks. Doesn't sound like a home run date, but it really was, and at 5 bucks a pop, the price is right.

We went to to Halloween movie event where they showed White Zombie. It was so fun and the people were very nice. It was such a fun event; I hope they do another one soon! It was also fun looking around the museum and learning more about the history or the area.

So iv been here more than a couple times I was thankful to have someone who knew someone who worked here JACK! he is awesome the cats in the parking lot our his lol he loves cats hi jack! I had a tour when no one was in the building super cool history super cool place super cool vibe! FYI building is haunted not so much but the staff will tell ya and you feel some spots in the building were the mood completely changes pretty cool!