Behold the Minneapolis Institute of Art Mia a treasure trove of art and history. Standing before you is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece a testament to the city’s dedication to the arts.
Established in 1883 as the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts Mia initially occupied a modest space within the public library. It was the vision of business and professional leaders to bring art to the community. Their efforts culminated in the magnificent building we see today.
The journey to this architectural gem was paved with generous donations. DeWitt Clinton Morrison gifted the land once home to his family’s Villa Rosa mansion. William Hood Dunwoody’s astounding $100,000 pledge spurred a fundraising frenzy. In a mere 90 minutes an astonishing $335,500 was raised at a single dinner. This extraordinary display of community support laid the foundation for Mia’s future growth.
Designed by McKim Mead and White the building opened in 1915. It quickly became one of Minnesota’s finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture. However the initial structure was only the first part of a grander vision. Several expansions followed including a 1974 addition by Kenzo Tange and a 2006 expansion by Michael Graves the Target wing. The Target wing greatly increased the museum’s exhibition space allowing a larger portion of its vast collection to be displayed.
Mia’s collection is truly encyclopedic boasting over 90000 works spanning 5000 years and six continents. Its Asian art collection is widely considered among the best in the country. A remarkable example is the Jade Mountain a massive 18th-century jade sculpture one of the largest in existence. Mia also owns the Purcell-Cutts House a Prairie School masterpiece that offers monthly tours.
The museum’s free general admission policy reflects its commitment to accessibility. It offers educational programs for children and adults enriching the community with art.
Beyond the walls of the building itself outdoor exhibits enhance the experience. A pair of 18th-century-style Chinese lions grace the entrance. The Fighter of the Spirit a bronze sculpture by Ernst Barlach stands proudly near the entrance. Its story is remarkable. Originally commissioned by the University of Kiel it was deemed degenerate art by the Nazis. Hidden and later recovered the sculpture was repaired and eventually found its home at Mia.
In recent years Mia has been embroiled in controversies. In 2024 the Italian Ministry of Culture banned loans to the museum amidst a legal dispute over a Roman sculpture. There have also been accusations of a toxic work environment for people of color.
Yet the Minneapolis Institute of Art stands tall. It endures as a testament to human creativity community support and the ongoing dialogue surrounding art history and cultural heritage. Enjoy your exploration of Mia.