Take the time to appreciate the exterior of the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) before you step inside the building’s design is considered part of its art collection. WAM was first built in 1934, but a 1993 redesign by Frank Gehry made the museum world famous. This award-winning architect later went on to design the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The WAM building on the campus of the University of Minnesota is one of the best attractions in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, and from inside you’ll see good views of the Mississippi River.
WAM holds more than 17,000 works, with a focus on modern art. Visit the permanent American Modernism collection to see pieces by Georgie O’Keeffe, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist. The vast collection of Native-American pottery is also not to be missed, with ceramics from as early as 350 B.C.
Another exhibit recounts the story of later artists: The now extinct Mimbres people made intriguing bowls with pictures of hunting, religion, gambling and dancing before they mysteriously vanished from the Arizona desert around 1150.
Browse the collection of traditional Korean furniture with ancient pieces from the Silly and Choson dynasties. Major American and international art exhibitions also visit the museum check the website for details.
The free Weisman Art Museum is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. There are free public tours on weekends. Paid garage parking and public transport are available and the campus is part of the Nice Ride MN bike share system. The museum and WAM shop are closed on Mondays and some major public holidays.
Stop by the museum at sunrise or sunset for another free treat the building puts on a dazzling light show as its shiny surface reflects the colors in the sky.
Weisman Art Museum Tours and Activities
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Visit Weisman Art Museum
Tours & day trips
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Saint Paul Gangster Tour
Private & custom tours
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Attractions
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Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
Adventure & outdoor
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Mall of America: Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf Ticket
Popular places to visit
Huntington Bank Stadium
Catch an event at Huntington Bank Stadium during your trip to Minneapolis. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Stone Arch Bridge
Stroll across this historic 23-arch bridge, which spans the mighty Mississippi and offers views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis riverfront.
Guthrie Theater
Watch a show at night or tour the remarkable building during the day at this world-class theater in Minneapolis.
Mill City Museum
Learn about how a flour mill and the Mississippi River shaped the identity of Minneapolis at this exciting museum housed within 19th-century ruins.
Mill Ruins Park
Explore the great outdoors at Mill Ruins Park, a lovely green space in Minneapolis. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Saint Anthony Falls
Explore the historic district and heritage trails that surround the thundering waterfall that powered the fledgling city of Minneapolis.
Best Lodging Options Near Weisman Art Museum
![Graduate Minneapolis](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/17800/17728/4355cd2f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
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![Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/14800/14748/eba6a7cb_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Aloft Minneapolis](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2160000/2153900/2153858/b5d6998c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Radisson RED Minneapolis Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16260000/16254800/16254709/082c172a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/27000000/26950000/26945100/26945095/9097919b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2360000/2351500/2351476/77574e41_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Moxy Minneapolis Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37880000/37879000/37878959/a90356b0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
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