Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis (must see)

A neoclassical gem in a rapidly changing neighborhood, the MIA (pronounced “Mia” by those in the know) draws half a million visitors annually. Originally founded in 1883, the museum settled into its current grandiose digs in 1915, later sprouting a minimalist wing in 1974 and a Michael Graves-designed addition in 2006—both offering a modern counterpoint to the classical facade. While its vast collection spans centuries and continents, the MIA shines particularly bright in Asian art.

For families, the museum offers a dedicated Family Center—a cozy nook stocked with books, games, and snacks, perfect for recharging before tackling the galleries again. Every month, one Sunday is set aside for kid-friendly activities. Adults, on the other hand, can enjoy their own night out at Third Thursdays, where the museum mixes music, drinks, and art (6–9 PM). Some special exhibitions may require a ticket, but there’s plenty to enjoy without one.

Pro tip: The MIA’s quirkiest treasure isn’t in the main building at all—it’s the Purcell-Cutts House, a charming Prairie School home about a mile away near Lake of the Isles. You can take a guided tour of this architectural beauty every second weekend of the month.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Minneapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Minneapolis Institute of Arts on Map

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Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Create Your Own Walk in Minneapolis

Create Your Own Walk in Minneapolis

Creating your own self-guided walk in Minneapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches

Historical Churches

The "City of Lakes”, Minneapolis, doesn't pride itself solely on the lakes. In fact, you will be amazed by how many churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship are found throughout the city. These sacred structures have played a significant role in the development of Minneapolis and continue to serve as pillars of faith and community. Let's take a look at some of the most...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Saint Paul Introduction Walking Tour

Saint Paul Introduction Walking Tour

Saint Paul is a fantastic example of a city that has grown through a diverse range of cultures. The location near the Mississippi River helped make what would later become the city a significant center of local trade. The Dakota Sioux tribe were among the earliest residents, and European settlement that included French-Canadian fur traders and Catholic missionaries occurred during the 1830s to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Minneapolis Introduction Walking Tour

Minneapolis Introduction Walking Tour

Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota, straddling the Mississippi River. Together with neighboring Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota, it forms the metropolitan area collectively known as the "Twin Cities."

Before European settlement, the site of Minneapolis was inhabited by Dakota people. The settlement was founded along Saint Anthony Falls — the only natural waterfall...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus Walking Tour

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus Walking Tour

Founded in 1851, seven years before Minnesota became a state, the University of Minnesota is one of the largest educational institutions in the United States. The university campus in the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, spread along the bank of the Mississippi River, is a sprawling hub renowned for its rich academic environment and vibrant life.

One of the central gathering...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles