Visit Walker Art Center to see work by Warhol, Picasso, Moore and many other world-renowned artists, alongside many lesser known but equally intriguing works of art. Outside you may recognize the spoon bridge with cherry-shaped fountain that appears in so many travel brochures about the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This eye-catching structure is part of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on the same grounds.
The Walker Art Center came from humble beginnings in 1927 when a local lumber baron opened a room of his house to the public to show his favorite paintings. His name was Thomas Walker. From the 1940s the focus of the museum shifted to modern visual art.
More than 600,000 people per year visit the 17-acre (seven-hectare) complex, with parks, art center and sculpture garden. After browsing the famous paintings, enjoy some more unusual works at the museum’s special selection of fringe art. See draft versions of finished artworks at the Visual Arts Study Collection.
Moving-image art, which is an art form that includes film, digital animations and new media, is strongly represented as well. The Ruben/Bentson Film and Video Study Collection maintains nearly 900 productions, from the old silent films to post-World War II American experimental films, among others. Full film screenings are common during the day, or come back at night to watch performance art in dance, theater and music.
The Walker Art Center is near downtown Minneapolis. The center is open daily and Thursday nights, but is closed Mondays. Gallery admission is free for children under 18 and on the first Saturday of each month for everyone. This is when activities are organized, including art classes and films aimed at younger children and their parents. Download a free audio guide to your cell phone, or join a free gallery or sculpture garden tour on the weekends.
Walker Art Center Tours and Activities
Visit Walker Art Center
Plan a trip to see Walker Art Center
LivINN Hotel Minneapolis North / Fridley
Reviewed on Sep. 16, 2024
Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District
Reviewed on Sep. 27, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 31 activitiesOpens in new tabSt. Paul: Twin Cities Haunts Ghost Walking Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabMinneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Attractions
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabMall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabMinneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure
Popular places to visit
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a lovely green space in Minneapolis. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.
Basilica of Saint Mary
Learn about the local history of Minneapolis when you take a trip to Basilica of Saint Mary. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.
Minneapolis Convention Center
Learn about the events happening at Minneapolis Convention Center during your trip to Minneapolis. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Orpheum Theatre
You can make plans for a show at Orpheum Theatre during your stay in Minneapolis. Experience the entertainment choices and great live music in this vibrant area.
Foshay Tower
Learn about the local history of Minneapolis with a stop at Foshay Tower. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Nicollet Mall
During your visit to Minneapolis, you can enjoy retail therapy at Nicollet Mall. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near Walker Art Center
Check availability on hotels close to Walker Art Center
- Vacations and getaways similar to Walker Art Center
- Other Hotels near Walker Art Center, Calhoun Isles
- Hotels near popular Minneapolis - St. Paul Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Walker Art Center
- Hotel Indigo Minneapolis Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- The Chambers Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
- Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
- Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
- W Minneapolis - The Foshay
- AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Downtown Minneapolis, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis
- Heart of Uptown - Victorian Retreat
- Hotels near Mall of America
- Hotels near U.S. Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Target Field
- Hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center
- Hotels near Nickelodeon Universe
- Hotels near Xcel Energy Center
- Hotels near Target Center
- Hotels near University of Minnesota
- Hotels near Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Huntington Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Mississippi River
- Hotels near Orpheum Theatre
- Hotels near The Armory
- Hotels near Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Hotels near University of St. Thomas
- Hotels near Twin Cities Premium Outlets
- Hotels near University of Minnesota-West Bank Campus
- Hotels near State Theatre
- Hotels near Venetian Indoor Waterpark