Minnesota Museum of American Art

Both the building and the displays are works of art. There are some very nice pieces in this smaller, intimate museum. I took pictures of a few of my favorites. We met here with an urban sketching group and the staff was wonderfully helpful and welcoming to us. The website does a good job of providing relevant details for your visit. The museum does not require an entry fee -- it's Free! But, as you are able, make a donation to support this local gem.

We had some time this afternoon so we stopped by to see this art museum. We were disappointed in the most of the art, the subject matter and the quality of the pieces. And it's quite small.One exception was the Republica Mexicana like looking through a window. It was a very nice piece. It just wasn't of interest to us.

Doing a staycation in St. Paul one of our activities got canceled so we were on the lookout for an alternate idea. Doing a quick search for museums. We found the Minnesota Museum of American heart and we're pleased to see it. Especially since its a free spot to visit. After navigating the skyways to find our way to the location, we were pleasantly greeted by the two people working the desk. They gave us a quick overview of the museum, and a little about the exhibit that was featured during our visit.We explored the space over the course of approximately 30 minutes. It is very small, but it appeared that the space might be expanding or was under construction for a new exhibit.Even though it's small, the space as well laid out, welcoming, and ,since it's free, a nice way to experience a little art when you're in St. Paul.

Finally an art museum with a permanent location in St Paul and expanding. It is right in the heart of downtown and only a block from the light rail. Today was their opening day! The revolving doors were filled with enthusiastic patrons. The Endicott Pioneer building housing all these awesome arts donated by notable collectors is on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. As you pass through the front entrance before you make a right into the museum, look past the long hallway and look up. You will be greeted by a beautiful Cass Gilbert stained glass ceiling. Inside the museum, you will find an array of different art mediums by the local MN and talented American artists. Impressive as always, you will find one of George Morrison's (from Duluth) large wooden art piece donated to the M by a private collector. You should also check out the close up photograph of Muhammad Ali taken at a gym by a local photographer. Patrick DesJarlait's watercolor painting is impeccable. It's so rich and perfect, it looks like a print. Another awe inspiring piece was the photo of a Qing dynasty beauty taken by Mrs Calhoun when her husband was the US Ambassador during one of the most interesting time in China. The M has over 1500 negatives of her collection in their storage. I can't wait to see more from this priceless collection through the eye of a foreigner and the accessibility she had into the world of the lost imperial period. I will be back and let's support art in the Twin Cities!!

The MMAA has been without a formal home for a while. This location is the Museum's "Project Space," a sort of physical place holder while the Museum investigates options. Don't let this deter you--there are always interesting things here. Currently on exhibit are three installations that opened during Northern Spark, collectively entitled "String Felt Theory," which were among the highlights of the festival. Exhibitions, openings, lectures and classes are regularly scheduled.I cannot wait to welcome the MMAA back to its permanent home--wherever that may end up being. In the meantime, I am glad the Project Space is open and available to visit. Take a look!

During our Paisley Park weekend adventure, we stopped in at the Museum of American Art after lunch in the St. Paul area. We were surprised to find a student exhibit on display along with the other pieces celebrating local Minnesota artists. After walking through the exhibits, I definitely felt I understood the personality of the city. This venue is a great backdrop for our artistic adventure in the twin cities!