by Marlin Bressi

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

Founded in 1883, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is the largest art museum in Minnesota and one of the largest in the Midwest. The institute, which first opened its doors to the public in 1915, has since undergone two large-scale renovations, the most recent of which resulted in the creation of the Target Wing, which includes thirty-four new galleries and a large exhibition space. Other recent additions include the Lecture Hall, the Art Research Library, and the Photographs Study Room and the Print Study Room.

However, the heart and soul of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is the permanent collection, which boasts a staggering 80,000 pieces of art collected from every part of the world. Spanning five thousand years, this collection includes works by world-renowned artists as well as examples of art from every culture, from Africa to Asia, and America to Oceania.

In the museum's collection of paintings and sculpture can be found works by such masters as Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keefe, and Gustave Courbet. Nearly 900 works by American and European artists can be found here, offering examples of German Expressionism, Cubism, and Baroque-period art.

Photography lovers will delight in the institute's collection of photography, which includes works from the 1860s to present day. The Department of Photographs is widely considered to be one of the best in America, and includes works by photographers such as Richard Avedon, Walker Evans, and Dorothea Lange.

The Department of African, Oceanic, and Native American Art showcases the remarkable creativity of Native peoples across four continents, from prehistoric to modern times. Over 3,000 pieces can be found in this part of the museum, displaying beadwork, carvings, basketry, and weaving from across the globe. Some examples of work contained in this collection includes a 3,000-year old jade mask from the Olmecs, a 19th century Maori carved figurine, and a carved ivory tusk from the 18th century African kingdom on Benin.

Located one mile south of downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is easily accessible by Metro Transit bus as well as other forms of public transportation. Free parking can be found nearby on 3rd Avenue. Admission to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is free, thanks to the generosity of the museum's donors, members, and supporters.

When visiting the beautiful and diverse city of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is a must-see destination which offers an unforgettable experience, and since admission is free, it is an experience everyone can afford.

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