Discover The Minneapolis Institute Of Art: A Cultural Treasure Trove
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) stands as a beacon of cultural excellence in the heart of Minnesota. With a collection spanning six continents and 5,000 years of human creativity, Mia offers visitors an unparalleled journey through art history. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, this world-class institution welcomes everyone to explore, learn, and be inspired.
Mia's impressive collection of more than 100,000 artworks represents humanity's artistic achievements across time and geography. Visitors can marvel at ancient Egyptian mummies, Renaissance paintings, Asian ceramics, African masks, and cutting-edge contemporary installations all under one roof. The museum's commitment to accessibility is evident in its free general admission policy, making art available to all regardless of economic status.
A Window to the World: Mia's Extraordinary Collection
With more than 100,000 artworks, Mia's collection includes art from six continents, spanning about 5,000 years. This vast and diverse collection represents one of the most comprehensive art holdings in the United States. From prehistoric artifacts to contemporary installations, Mia's galleries tell the story of human creativity through the ages.
The museum's curatorial approach emphasizes both breadth and depth. While visitors can explore global artistic traditions, they can also dive deep into specific cultures and periods. The Asian art collection, for instance, is particularly renowned, featuring exceptional Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian works. The museum's African art collection showcases the continent's rich artistic heritage, while the Native American galleries highlight indigenous artistic traditions from across the Americas.
Behind the Scenes: The Life of a Museum
See the highlights, explore the latest, and discover what happens behind the scenes at Mia. The museum offers numerous opportunities for visitors to go beyond the galleries and understand the inner workings of a major art institution. From conservation labs where artworks are meticulously restored to storage facilities housing thousands of pieces not currently on display, Mia provides glimpses into the complex operations that keep a world-class museum running.
Mia's curatorial team regularly rotates exhibitions, bringing fresh perspectives to the collection and introducing visitors to new artists and movements. The museum also hosts special exhibitions that feature works on loan from other institutions or private collections, offering unique opportunities to see art that might otherwise never be accessible in the region.
The People and Stories Behind the Art
Dive deeper into the people, communities, and collaborations that make up Mia and our collection of more than 100,000 artworks. Mia is more than just a building filled with objects; it's a living institution shaped by the people who work there, the communities it serves, and the partnerships it forms.
The museum employs a diverse team of professionals including curators, conservators, educators, designers, and administrators, all working together to fulfill Mia's mission. The institution also collaborates with artists, scholars, and community organizations to create programs and exhibitions that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences. These collaborations ensure that Mia remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its community.
Inspiring Wonder Through Art
Find out how we're inspiring wonder through the power of art across different communities and cultures. Mia believes in the transformative power of art to spark curiosity, foster empathy, and create connections. Through its exhibitions, programs, and community outreach, the museum works to make art accessible and meaningful to people from all walks of life.
The museum's educational programs reach thousands of students each year, providing hands-on art experiences that complement classroom learning. Mia also offers programs for adults, families, and seniors, ensuring that people of all ages can engage with art in meaningful ways. From artist talks and workshops to sensory-friendly hours for visitors with special needs, Mia strives to create inclusive experiences for all.
Plan Your Visit: Hours and Information
Friday, February 20, 2026, the museum is open today from 10 am to 5 pm. Mia welcomes visitors six days a week, with extended hours on select evenings. The museum is closed on Mondays, allowing staff to prepare galleries, install new exhibitions, and conduct necessary maintenance.
Located in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, Mia is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation. The museum offers free parking in its on-site ramp, making it convenient for visitors to explore the collection at their leisure. For those requiring accessibility accommodations, Mia provides resources including wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, and sensory maps.
Join the Mission: Making Art Accessible to All
Join Mia's mission to make art accessible to all. This commitment to accessibility extends beyond free admission to include a wide range of programs and initiatives designed to remove barriers to art participation. Mia offers free guided tours, multilingual resources, and programs specifically designed for underserved communities.
The museum's outreach efforts include partnerships with local schools, community centers, and social service organizations. Through these collaborations, Mia brings art experiences to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit. The museum also offers digital resources, allowing people to explore the collection online from anywhere in the world.
Career and Learning Opportunities at Mia
Whether you're looking for a career, volunteer role, or learning through our internships and fellowships, there's a place for you to make an impact at Mia. The museum offers a variety of opportunities for people to get involved and contribute to its mission.
Career opportunities at Mia span a wide range of disciplines, from curatorial and conservation to education, marketing, and facilities management. The museum values diversity and seeks to build a team that reflects the community it serves. For students and early career professionals, Mia offers internships and fellowships that provide hands-on experience in the museum field.
Volunteers play a crucial role at Mia, serving as gallery guides, event assistants, and program facilitators. These dedicated individuals help create welcoming experiences for visitors and support the museum's educational mission. Mia also offers corporate volunteer opportunities, allowing businesses to engage their employees in meaningful community service.
Mia's Core Belief: The Power of Art
It's a belief that guides Mia's work every day: that art has the power to transform lives and build community. This fundamental conviction shapes everything the museum does, from the artworks it collects to the programs it offers.
Mia champions the power of art—and the responsibility of art museums—to spark curiosity and creativity, connect people across cultural differences, and engage our shared humanity. The museum believes that art is not just something to be observed passively but a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and growth.
This belief is reflected in Mia's approach to exhibitions and programming. Rather than simply displaying objects, the museum creates experiences that encourage visitors to think critically, ask questions, and make personal connections to the art. Through this approach, Mia seeks to create a more empathetic and understanding society.
Your Visit to Mia: Practical Information
Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) in Minneapolis for a world-class art experience. Located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Mia is situated in the vibrant Whittier neighborhood, just south of downtown Minneapolis. The museum's striking neoclassical building, with its grand entrance and beautiful grounds, sets the stage for the artistic treasures within.
General admission is always free at Mia, reflecting the museum's commitment to accessibility. While special exhibitions may require tickets, the majority of the collection can be explored at no cost. This policy ensures that financial barriers don't prevent anyone from experiencing the power of art.
For those planning their visit, Mia offers comprehensive resources online. Visitors can find museum hours, parking information, and accessibility resources on the museum's website. The site also provides details about ticketed special exhibitions, allowing guests to plan their visit around specific shows or artists they're interested in seeing.
Membership Benefits: Deepening Your Connection
Mia members receive a 20% discount on exhibition tickets and a 10% discount on purchases in the store at Mia starting at the contributor level, as well as savings on talks and classes. Membership at Mia offers numerous benefits for those who wish to deepen their engagement with the museum.
Beyond the financial perks, membership provides a sense of belonging to a community of art lovers. Members receive invitations to exclusive events, including exhibition previews, members-only hours, and special lectures. They also support Mia's mission through their membership fees, helping to ensure that the museum can continue to offer free general admission and robust educational programs.
Art in Bloom: A Celebration of Art and Flowers
Free and open to everyone, Art in Bloom showcases imaginative floral interpretations of selected works of art from Mia's permanent collection, created by more than 100 individual and commercial florists. This beloved annual event transforms the museum each spring, filling galleries with stunning floral arrangements that interpret artworks in creative and unexpected ways.
Art in Bloom exemplifies Mia's commitment to making art accessible and engaging. By inviting florists to create arrangements inspired by artworks, the event encourages visitors to look at both art and flowers with fresh eyes. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made beauty creates a unique sensory experience that delights visitors of all ages.
In addition to the floral displays, Art in Bloom features lectures by floral designers and art historians, luncheons, and special programs for children. The event draws thousands of visitors each year and has become a cherished tradition for many in the Twin Cities community.
Continuing the Journey: Mia's Ongoing Mission
See the highlights, explore the latest, and discover what happens behind the scenes at Mia. The museum's commitment to excellence and accessibility continues to evolve as it responds to changing community needs and artistic trends. Mia regularly updates its galleries, adds to its collection, and develops new programs to ensure that it remains a vital cultural resource.
Find out how we're inspiring wonder through the power of art across diverse communities and cultures. Mia's outreach extends beyond its walls through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other cultural institutions. The museum's digital initiatives make its collection accessible to people around the world, while its traveling exhibitions bring Mia's treasures to audiences far from Minneapolis.
We champion the power of art—and the responsibility of art museums—to spark curiosity and creativity, connect people across cultural differences, and engage our shared humanity. This mission drives everything Mia does, from the artworks it collects to the programs it offers. By making art accessible to all, Mia enriches lives and strengthens community bonds.
As Mia looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding principles while embracing new opportunities to serve its community. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime member, Mia welcomes you to explore, discover, and be inspired by the power of art.
