Minneapolis Institute of Arts

its sad that its being said by you but your rite. there should be far more art. and yes better examples of history. but were using a kinda small space sooo i guess we gotta deal hu. Pros: the bilding is swell Cons: there needs to be more art more

ura-pretentious douche. Review the Museum if you want, you pompous windbag, but don't presume to know enough about the Midwest to insult it's residents. Go back to Haahhhvaaahd and stay there til you figure out what real class is. Losah. Pros: Decent Minnesotans Cons: High brow malcontents more

I am sad to say I find this museum to be disappointing. I'm sure I have a different perspective than native Minnesotans and out of respect for them I understand their academically innocent childlike admiration of this place. Many residents of the twin cities come from farms or at least remember agrarian life in their not too distant past. This being the case, I'm sure any museum looks like a winner from a rural citizens perspective. It's simply the most contained art they have ever seen. Psychologically I understand this. However, being raised between Chicago, the east coast & Europe, I do look at this museum through a different lens. Not only do I see a very limited collection, but in some exhibits there are very poor examples of their kind. Of course the halls are well maintained and the exhibits look impressive but that is not what makes a museum. It is simply limited compared to world class museums which this is not. Again, it saddens me because this building and it's facade is absolutely beautiful and I have viewed these collections more than once, hoping to see more. I really tried to like this place. Unfortunately there is absolutely know way I can mention the Louvre, Victoria & Albert, The Royal Academy, MOMA, or the Metropolitan in New York in the same breath as the MIA. There is no comparison. Pros: They do not charge admission which is a wonderful strategy to tempt newcomers to art Cons: The above strategy can't put them on an upscale map more

Having traveled to many museums around the country and in Europe, the MIA is truly one of the best. They have a great permanent collection, you'll find anything that fits your taste, from modern to asian and european masters. Pros: Free, Large collection, nice staff more

Easily the best bargain in town. There is so many different types of art (chinese, egyptian, greecian, roman, &c...). And since this museum shares space with the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, there is a constant changing abstract section. Pros: Good Parking, Not Crowded, Free Admission Cons: Absolutly Nothing more

I love the painting of the tornado over St. Paul and the painting that looks like a giant black and white photograph. I love so many of the permanent pieces, that seeing them again and again is always a treat. The jade mountain is amazing. In fact I can not believe there is such an amazing collection of works here. See for yourself. Come often and stay a long time. more

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is sure to have something to please every one (art-haters excluded). From the exquisite architectural models to the Asian art collection and the always-interesting traveling exhibits, the MIA never fails to please me. Besides, it's free! Pros: D'Amico food Cons: Finding Parking more

I visit most museums in different major cities I have been to, and I have found the quality of their collections at the MIA is equal. However, they don't charge you an entrance fee! I highly recommend a contribution if possible. What's a few bucks anyway? I love this place. This is the BEST place for a free day of activities. Especially Sundays for families. Pros: FREE, lots to see Cons: in an akward area, closed mondays more

Don't let the price tag fool you into thinking this is a cheapo edition of a 2nd rate art gallery. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is so impressive, I'd still go if it weren't free. A truly suberb permanent collection is continuously complimented by top-notch traveling exhibits. Even if you're not an "art buff", you'll probably find something to tickle your fancy. The atmosphere is grand with inspiring architecture and high-ceiling rooms that easily flow from one to the next, but it is far from stodgy, boring, and/or inaccessable. It's the perfect place to spend a quiet, stimulating afternoon. And hey, it's FREE! (After every visit, I still find that difficult to believe!) So why not give it a try? You won't be disappointed. Pros: Excellent Collection, Impressive Atmosphere, FREE! FREE! FREE! Cons: Parking more

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the premiere art museums in the world. It is a Who's Who collection: Picasso, Gaugan, Rodin, Monet, Cezzanne, Cassatt, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gauguin... The best selling New York Public Library Desk Reference states, "This outstanding general collection is strongest in European paintings from Old Masters to the present. Founded in 1912, the institute also houses the Pillsbury Collection of Chinese bronzes, Japanese prints and paintings, textiles, and photographs." Each time I go I am blown away by something new. The individual creations are astonishing. And yet you see the same human themes over and over through time, though in very different forms and very different civilizations. Art tells us who we are as humans. MIA contends with the best in the world. Tip: Start at the top floor and work your way down. Pros: European paintings, Oriental Asia works, Sculpture classics Cons: Declining town area, Free. (Pitch in $3.) more

The Institute of Arts offers a terrific selection of art covering the Renaissance, Impressionism, Modern, sculptures, Asian art, etc... They also promote art in the schools and have amazing classes to train volunteers. Great for a rainy day. more

I was amazed at how extensive the Asian collection is. Artwork from Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, etc. It's all great. Teak furniture, statues of various Buddhas and Bodhissatvas, jade sculpture, and THE only preserved Tibetan Mandala (sand painting) in the world. Plus, the other collections from around the world are also extensive and impressive. This museum is a diamond in the Midwest. Pros: Great collections, Extensive Asian art, Good store too Cons: Parking limited more