Minnesota Museum of American Art

Minnesota Museum of American Art is a major cultural institution in Saint Paul, Minnesota, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting American art with a focus on artists connected to the state and the Upper Midwest. Founded in the early 20th century, it has evolved from a small community art center into a significant museum with a diverse collection spanning from the 19th century to the present. The museum is noted for its commitment to showcasing underrepresented narratives and fostering dialogue through its exhibitions and public programs.

History

The institution originated in 1927 as the Saint Paul School of Art, founded by a group of local artists and patrons including Robert Koehler. It later became known as the Saint Paul Art Center and, in 1969, was renamed the Minnesota Museum of Art, reflecting its expanded statewide mission. A pivotal moment occurred in 1992 when it merged with the American Museum of Asmat Art, incorporating a renowned collection of Asmat art from Indonesia. Financial difficulties led to the closure of its main gallery space in the Landmark Center in 2009, but the museum continued its mission through pop-up exhibitions and community partnerships. A major revitalization began with the 2015 acquisition of the historic Pioneer Endicott building in downtown Saint Paul, leading to the opening of a new permanent home in 2018.

Collections and exhibitions

The museum's permanent collection comprises over 5,000 works, emphasizing American art from the 19th century to the contemporary period. Significant holdings include the Project Art for Nature collection, works by Wanda Gág, and the foundational American Museum of Asmat Art collection of oceanic art. The collection features strong representations of Minnesota artists, Native American art, and works by African American artists such as Gordon Parks and Alison Aune. Exhibition programming is interdisciplinary, often exploring themes of identity, place, and social justice, and has included major shows like *"Many Waters: 2018 Minnesota Biennial"* and retrospectives of artists like Paul Manship. The museum actively commissions new works and utilizes its collection for traveling exhibitions that reach national venues like the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Building and locations

The museum's primary facility is the **M**, a renovated space within the Pioneer Endicott complex in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. This location includes flexible gallery spaces, an education center, and public gathering areas. Historically, the museum occupied several sites, including the James J. Hill House and the Landmark Center. Its administrative offices and art storage remain in the Historic Hamm Building. The museum also maintains an off-site collection storage facility and has previously utilized gallery spaces in the Union Depot. Its central location is served by the Metro Transit light-rail Green Line and is part of the cultural district near the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Notable artists

The museum's collection features works by a wide array of significant American artists, particularly those with ties to Minnesota and the Midwest. These include modernist painter and printmaker Wanda Gág, sculptor Paul Manship, and Regionalist painter Francis Lee Jaques. Contemporary artists represented include photographer Wing Young Huie, painter Andrea Carlson, and sculptor Kinji Akagawa. The collection also holds works by national figures such as Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as important Native American artists like George Morrison and Frank Big Bear. The museum has mounted solo exhibitions for living artists such as Dyani White Hawk and Xavier Tavera.

See also

* Weisman Art Museum * Minneapolis Institute of Art * Walker Art Center * List of museums in Minnesota * Culture of Minnesota

Category:Art museums in Minnesota Category:Museums in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:American art museums Category:1927 establishments in Minnesota