Free things to do in Minneapolis: a guide to the Minneapolis Institute of Art
If you’re looking for the best free things to do in Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) deserves a spot near the top of your list. Use our Minneapolis Institute of Art Guide to help navigate this world-class museum.
Having a few hours to kill before watching our niece play in the U of MN Marching Band at a Gopher hockey game, we all decided to check out Mia and were absolutely blown away.
We quickly realized why Mia is always making lists for the top museums in Minnesota. With an incredible collection spanning thousands of years, beautiful galleries, and free admission, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit often.
If you’re new here, our motto is to dine, drink, and discover wherever we go, and Mia is definitely a place you’ll want to discover in Minnesota.
Why Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art?
This is not just another art museum. It’s a world-class collection with more than 90,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years. It’s one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the country; general admission costs nothing, and the building itself is worth the visit before you’ve seen a single painting.
Good to Know before you visit Mia:
- Address: 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
- Hours: Closed Monday. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 10 am-5 pm; Thursday and Friday 10 am- 9 pm. Check the website before heading, as hours shift seasonally.
- Admission: Free for the permanent collection; special exhibits cost extra
- Parking: on-site paid parking ramp, plus nearby surface lots and some street parking.
- How Much Time: At least 90 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours or more if you have the time and interest
- Bag Restrictions: Please note that bags are limited to 15” x 15”; if you have a larger bag, you can rent a locker on the main floor. For instance, if it’s winter, you can drop your coat before you peruse the museum.
Start Exploring Art Mia
You’ll find works by Rembrandt, Poussin, Van Gogh, plus significant collections of Asian, African, and Native American art, plus more contemporary pieces from names you might recognize like Picasso, Matisse, and Mondrian.
Short on time? Pick a lane- the museum is broken out into five areas: Arts of Global Africa, Global Contemporary Art, Asian Art, European Art, and Arts of the Americas.
Or roam freely and go to what pulls you in. That’s what we did.
The Size of MIA
Mia spans an area equal to seven and a half football fields. You could walk almost a mile to see all the galleries! That’s astounding.
Despite the size, it is still cozy and peaceful. I think given the size, people are really spread out, looking at different exhibits and not all crowded into one space.
One moment you’re looking at a Rembrandt painting on the wall, the next you’re walking into a Parisian Salon. It’s really fascinating and never boring.
Use the elevator or take the gorgeous marble staircases throughout the building.
Refuel inside Mia
If you need a break mid-visit, the museum’s lobby cafe, Agra Culture Cafe, is open during all museum hours and pours coffee, cold-pressed juice, and even wine and craft beer. They even have happy hour specials. It’s convenient to stop between galleries. They have a nice selection of food, even plant-based options!
Our Experience Visiting the Minneapolis Institute of Art
We didn’t know anything about Mia before arriving, other than knowing it existed. We thought we’d check it out before moving on to lunch.
We quickly realized this is not a one-and-done museum. There’s so much to see, and we will need to go back to see more. Mia will be a spot on our list anytime we’re looking for something to do or have some time to kill between events, because with over 90,000 works of art, there’s no way to see even a fraction of it in just a few hours.
The Unexpected Art Exhibits to Discover
Some of our favorite moments during this visit came from several exhibits, including two very unique and unrelated experiences: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Francis House and the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room.
These highlights we learned are a perfect example of what makes Mia unique- you don’t just look at art; you get to explore them while learning the culture and meaning behind the art.
Step Inside the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room
Unlike a traditional gallery where artwork is displayed behind glass or on walls, this exhibit invites you into the art. The room was designed to replicate a traditional Tibetan Buddhist shrine, offering visitors a glimpse into a sacred space used for meditation, prayer, and spiritual practice.
The attention to detail is incredible. From the colorful paintings and sculptures to the intricate decorations. Everything had a meaning. It was peaceful to experience.
A Special Highlight: The Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibit at Mia
Having just toured Allen House in Wichita, Kansas, we were drawn to the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at Mia.
Located within Mia is an actual hallway from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Francis W. Little House, a Prairie-style home originally built on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, a suburb of Minneapolis.
The bedroom hallway at Mia includes the home’s beautiful leaded-glass windows, doors, and architectural details that showcase Wright’s belief that every element of a home should work together as one for a cohesive design.
Oddly enough, our niece took a band trip out east, and one of their stops was the Metropolitan Museum in NYC, which also houses the living room from Francis W. Little House.
What a great example of how travel experiences connect. A museum can bring new meaning to a place you’ve already visited, or spark interest in future travels.
Dining Duster Tips for Visiting Mia
Best Time to Visit
Did we mention there’s a Chihuly piece as well? You’ll have no choice but to notice that gorgeous piece at the main help desk.
For a quieter experience, our normal advice is to go on a weekday, as weekends are just naturally busier anywhere you go
We happened to visit on a Saturday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised that some of the exhibits were not busy at all.
Don’t Miss the Store at Mia
The Store at Mia is fabulous and should not be missed. We found unique items for sale in this gift shop, including decor, jewelry, art supplies, books, and more. If you’re looking for a unique gift for any occasion, you’ll likely find a good option here.
Plan your own visit to Mia in Minneapolis
More Minnesota Museums to Explore
If you love discovering museums and cultural attractions, Minnesota has 55 museums to explore, all offering unique experiences,
Read our guides to:
