Minnesota Museum of American Art facts for kids
Robert Street Entrance
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| Established | 1927 |
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| Location | 350 Robert Street North Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 |
| Type | Art museum |
The Minnesota Museum of American Art, also known as "The M", is a cool art museum. It's in Saint Paul, Minnesota, inside the old Pioneer Endicott building. This museum has over 5,000 amazing artworks. They show off the special talents of American artists. You can see art from the 1800s all the way to today! The museum believes art should show how America changes. It celebrates artists from the past. It also highlights new artists, including those from different cultures and immigrant families.
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The Museum's Journey: A Look at Its History
The Minnesota Museum of American Art started a long time ago. It was founded in 1894. Back then, it was called the St. Paul School of Fine Arts. Joining the school cost only $3. In 1909, its name changed to the St. Paul Institute. For a short time, it was even part of what later became the Science Museum of Minnesota.
The museum officially became its own organization in 1927. In 1939, it got a new name: the St. Paul Gallery and School of Art. The museum began collecting art in 1940. This happened after it received a gift of beautiful Chinese jade art pieces. In 1962, it was known as the St. Paul Art Center.
In 1969, the name changed again to the Minnesota Museum of Art. It also moved to a new building called the Jemne Building. This building had a cool art deco style. The museum's name changed one more time in 1992. It became the Minnesota Museum of American Art (MMAA). This happened after some fundraising challenges.
In 2009, the museum's galleries had to close. This was because their building space was being redeveloped. Most of the artworks were put into storage. But the museum kept its offices open. It also continued to show art in traveling exhibitions. In 2012, the museum announced it would reopen. It started with limited hours in the Pioneer Building. Then, in December 2018, the MMAA opened a bigger, permanent space. This new space was designed by architects VJAA. It is located in the Pioneer Endicott building complex.
What You Can See: The Art Collection
The museum's collection has more than 5,000 artworks. These pieces show the special styles of American artists. You can see art from the 1800s to today. The collection includes many new artists. It also features famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum has the largest collection of works by Paul Manship. It also has many pieces by George Morrison. You can find art by other American masters too. These include Thomas Hart Benton and Joan Mitchell. There are also works by Romare Bearden and Louise Nevelson. The museum also has important craft and folk art. It shows art by new American artists. Many of these artists are from Minnesota. Some examples are Wing Young Huie and Julie Buffalohead.
Fun Things to Do: Museum Services
The museum often changes the art on display. These are called rotating exhibitions. During the pandemic, the museum found new ways to share art. It created Window Galleries that faced the street. It also had Skyway Installations.
The M has a special learning area. It's called the Josephine Adele Ford Center for Creativity. This area includes the Wide Open Studio. It's a place where you can drop in and make art. The museum also offers other fun activities. These include Family Days and art classes. You can also find at-home activities. The museum hosts talks and conversations with artists. The museum works with artists, schools, and libraries. They partner with other groups around Minnesota. This helps bring art to more communities. Even though the indoor galleries are currently closed, museum admission is usually free.
See also
