“The M” as it’s affectionately known seeks to explore American identities. Here at the Minnesota Museum of American Art we stand before a place deeply rooted in Minnesota’s cultural history. Founded in 1894 it began as the St Paul School of Fine Arts. Imagine a time when art education was just taking root in the Midwest. The Minnesota Museum of American Art played a pivotal role.
Membership in the St Paul School of Fine Arts cost just $3 back then. The institution evolved and in 1909 it became the St Paul Institute. For a brief period it even merged with the forerunner of the Science Museum of Minnesota. Artist Lee Woodward Zeigler directed the Saint Paul Institute from 1910 to 1918.
The museum officially incorporated in 1927. It wasn’t until 1940 that the institution started collecting art. This began after a donation of Chinese jade art pieces. By 1969 it was known as the Minnesota Museum of Art. It then moved to the Jemne Building a stylish art deco structure.
The name changed again in 1992 becoming the Minnesota Museum of American Art. This renaming followed a difficult period. A failed fundraising effort led to the sale of the Jemne Building.
In 2009 the Minnesota Museum of American Art faced a crisis. It nearly went bankrupt and closed its galleries. But the spirit of the museum wasn’t broken. It maintained offices and organized traveling exhibitions. The museum reopened for limited hours in the Pioneer Building in 2012. The MMAA opened a permanent facility in the Pioneer Endicott building complex in December 2018. This space was designed by Minneapolis architects VJAA.
Further expansion is planned. A new wing for the permanent collection galleries is scheduled to open soon. The Minnesota Museum of American Art boasts a collection of over 5000 works. These pieces showcase American artists from the 19th century to today. The museum is committed to highlighting diverse voices. This includes artists from communities of color immigrants and their descendants.
The Minnesota Museum of American Art holds significant collections. These include the largest institutional collections of Paul Manship and George Morrison. You’ll also find works by masters like Thomas Hart Benton and Joan Mitchell. Romare Bearden Ed Ruscha and Louise Nevelson are also represented. The collection also features craft and folk art. Emerging contemporary artists from Minnesota are a focus. These include Wing Young Huie Julie Buffalohead and Warren MacKenzie.
The museum offers a range of services. Rotating exhibitions fill the gallery spaces. During the pandemic the museum expanded its outreach. It used street-facing Window Galleries and a Skyway Installation. The Josephine Adele Ford Center for Creativity is a dedicated learning space. It includes the Wide Open Studio for drop-in art activities. The Minnesota Museum of American Art also hosts Family Days. It provides studio art classes and artist talks. The museum collaborates with various organizations. These include schools libraries and cultural groups around Minnesota. Admission to the museum is typically free.
The Minnesota Museum of American Art stands as a testament to the power of art. It champions American voices and experiences. As you explore its galleries consider the museum’s long journey. Think about its dedication to community engagement. May the art here spark new perspectives. May it inspire a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.