Discover the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis

If you’re looking to discover something completely unexpected in Minnesota, the Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) in South Minneapolis delivers a rich cultural experience that is a true delight.  

We were surprised to learn that TMORA holds the largest collection of Soviet-era realist art outside of Russia. What a gem to have in Minnesota. 

This collection is preserved in a restored and renovated Spanish colonial church in South Minneapolis, just an exit from 35W. We’ve driven by so many times and didn’t know anything about this curated collection of Russian Realism an exit off the Interstate. It always pays to get off the highway!

If you’re looking for cultural attractions in Minneapolis, this is a great way to experience the Dining Duster motto to dine, drink, and discover the Midwest and beyond. 

The Time We Randomly Found The Museum of Russian Art

That heading reads like an episode of Friends, but that’s exactly how it happened. Kelly and her niece, Morgan, were spending the day celebrating Morgan’s birthday. As she’s gotten older, it’s evolved from a special meal out in our hometown into a day trip to Twin Cities for new experiences, touching all categories in the dining duster motto: dine, drink, and discover.

We were on our way to check out Tangled Town Gardens, which is an absolute must-stop, as it’s just around the corner from TMORA. We drove by the TMORA sign, and I mentioned hearing about this unique museum in Minneapolis, but never knew that’s where it was located.

Morgan said, “I’d go if you want to”. Say less! We u-turned and went right to the museum. It turned into the most unexpected delight. Bonus- if you are visiting with a college student, they offer a significant student discount; as a U of MN student, her ticket was just $5, while an adult ticket is $15.

Related: Maritime Museum in Winona is another niche collection in Winona, MN

Why Visit The Museum of Russian ART?

This collection of Russian Art right here in Minnesota is the largest in the United States!

This intimate space, a renovated Spanish Colonial Church, is stunning and an easy and delightful way to spend a couple of hours perusing exhibits that tell a story from imperial Russia to Soviet-era works and interpretations.

TMORA is just one of many fantastic art museums in Minneapolis. We’re so lucky to have this much art and culture in Minnesota.

The size of this museum was very palatable. Some art museums are so big you can’t scratch the surface. We got a good overview in about an hour, making it the perfect way to have a quick cultural art experience in Minneapolis.

A Russian Art Museum in a Spanish Colonial Revival Church

As interesting as the art inside, architecture lovers will also appreciate this renovated Spanish Colonial Revival church setting.

Originally built in 1940, this structure was saved from demolition in the 1970’s. In 2004, TMORA acquired the church and completely renovated the building into what we see today.

Today, the facade resembles the Alamo with stucco walls, large wood beams inside, and terra cotta roof tiles, all common to Mission Style.

Read more about the building’s fascinating history.

Why is TMORA Special?

• This is very niche as it’s the only museum in North America dedicated to Russian art
• Rotating exhibits- a reason to visit often
• Setting is a historic Spanish Colonial Revival church, which is fascinating in itself
• Super manageable size- you could spend 1-2 hours if that’s all you had. 
• They offer a great student and active military discount of just $5 (regular admission for adults is $15)
• Get more information related to your TMORA visit

Dining Duster Tip- Don’t feel rushed- this is a small, manageable museum that you can take in in about an hour.

What To Expect to See at the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis

There are three floors of galleries at TMORA to explore with rotating exhibits and more than thirteen thousand pieces of art; this is the kind of museum you can visit often and still not see it all.

Expect to find art ranging from currency to figurines, fine art paintings, cultural and historical pieces, religious icons, and Soviet-era art, including propaganda and political pieces.

The docents are extremely knowledgeable, should you have questions as you peruse.

How did the Museum of Russian Art End Up In Minnesota?

It’s completely fascinating to learn that the largest museum of Russian Art is in Minnesota. This begs the question, WHY? HOW?

Raymond and Susan Johnson, American Realist art dealers with a business in Scottsdale, Arizona, took their expertise in a different direction in the 1980s when the Soviet Union was liberated. The direction was toward Russia, and they leaned into art historians living in Russia to learn the literal landscape of Russian artists and their works.

In 1990, Johnson made a major art purchase, and the direction of Russian art took off from there. He’s made more than a thousand visits to Russia to acquire art. Interestingly, all of this is documented in great detail. They’ve since purchased over 10,000 paintings and drawings from the most important artists of the period.

With a collection of more than 10,000 pieces, the Johnsons selected pieces to loan out to American museums, universities, and cultural institutions, still leaving them with thousands of pieces of art.

Recognizing the importance of his Russian art collection, the Johnsons initiated the idea of a museum dedicated specifically to Russian art, and TMORA was founded.

Plan Your Visit to The Museum of Russian Art 

If you’re looking to visit art museums in Minneapolis, this is a perfect stop on a Twin Cities day trip or a great way to stretch your legs while traveling on I-35 in the Twin Cities. 

• Review the TMORA website for hours and more detailed information
• Address: 5500 Stevens Ave on the corner of I-35W and Diamond Lake Road in Minneapolis
• Parking is free across the street!
• Best for: solo exploring, couples, cultural day trips (or an aunt and her niece)
• Don’t miss the gift shop located inside TMORA

Save This for your Minneapolis Trip

More Things to Do Near TMORA in Minneapolis

Since you’re in the area, here are some other things to do in South Minneapolis that are walkable from TMORA, though each has its own parking lots as well. Add these to your Minneapolis day trip ideas. 

• Wise Acre Eatery- a true farm-to-table experience with lots of vegan options!
• Tangletown Gardens- an urban garden experience