Minneapolis Institute of Art

Art museum · Whittier

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Art museum · Whittier

4

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Photos

Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null
Minneapolis Institute of Art by null

Highlights

Minneapolis Institute of Art offers a free, sprawling collection of global masterpieces, stunning period rooms, and vibrant rotating exhibits in a beautiful space.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Get directions

new.artsmia.org
@artsmia

Information

Static Map

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Get directions

+1 888 642 2787
new.artsmia.org
@artsmia

Features

wifi

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@cntraveler

Editor's Letter: The Value of Human Connection When We Travel

"A vibrant city in Minnesota known for its cultural landmarks, parks, and friendly locals."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/editors-letter-january-february-2025
View Postcard for Minneapolis Institute of Art
@onthegrid

On the Grid : Minneapolis Institute of Art

"The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to a huge mix of work -- from names like Matisse and Rembrandt, to exhibitions of work by contemporary local artists. The programming is ever-changing, featuring fun events and tours nearly every day as well as an ever-changing series of incoming exhibitions. The Minneapolis Institute of Art also has a huge collection of work from various areas around the globe, and offers incredible resources for learning more about the content within the walls of the museum. The curation really is is top-notch. Be sure to walk the grounds and visit the sculptures outside, and around the back of the building as well. There is a serene little area where a person can take in a breath of fresh air between trips to see the masterpieces. If you are able to catch one of the MAEP exhibitions, you're in for a treat! The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program allows visitors a chance to see a completely different side of the Mia through new exhibitions of all contemporary Minnesota artists work." - Light Grey Art Lab

https://onthegrid.city/minneapolis-st-paul/whittier/minneapolis-institute-of-art
View Postcard for Minneapolis Institute of Art
@onthegrid

"Minneapolis Institute of Art, Whittier by Light Grey Art Lab. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to a huge mix of work -- from names like Matisse and Rembrandt, to exhibitions of work by contemporary local artists. The programming is ever-changing, featuring fun events and tours nearly every day as well as an ever-changing series of incoming exhibitions. The Minneapolis Institute of Art also has a huge collection of work from various areas around the globe, and offers incredible resources for learning more about the content within the walls of the museum. The curation really is is top-notch. Be sure to walk the grounds and visit the sculptures outside, and around the back of the building as well. There is a serene little area where a person can take in a breath of fresh air between trips to see the masterpieces. If you are able to catch one of the MAEP exhibitions, you're in for a treat! The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program allows visitors a chance to see a completely different side of the Mia through new exhibitions of all contemporary Minnesota artists work."

Minneapolis-St Paul
View Postcard for Minneapolis Institute of Art
@kwameadiyia_
View Postcard for Minneapolis Institute of Art

Maryna Bilotserkivets

Google
An Absolute Gem – A Must-Visit in Minneapolis! 🌟 The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is truly a world-class museum with an incredible collection that spans centuries and cultures. I was amazed by the diversity, quality, and depth of the exhibits — and even more amazed that general admission is completely free, as far as I understood. There are paid special exhibitions, but the main galleries are open to all and absolutely worth the visit. My personal favorite was the Japanese and Chinese porcelain collections. The elegance, detail, and history embedded in each piece are just breathtaking. The serene layout of the Asian art section creates a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere. Some of the Japanese ceramics and Chinese vases date back hundreds of years, yet the craftsmanship feels timeless. You can sense the spiritual and cultural significance behind each design, brushstroke, and curve. I spent the most time here and honestly could return just to revisit this part alone. My sincere recommendation: break your visit into multiple days. Each floor is rich and overwhelming in the best way possible — trying to absorb it all in one day would not do it justice. Take your time. Let each culture, era, and room sink in. The museum is clean, well-organized, and the staff is kind and helpful. Whether you’re into European classics, modern art, Native American works, or ancient sculpture — there’s something here that will speak to you. Highly recommended for art lovers, travelers, and anyone looking for inspiration. Mia is a treasure.

Theresa Hoban

Google
It’s free and there is plenty of parking. This is a very large art museum that is spacious and has a vast array of art. The Asian collection is expansive and well done. The Impressionist collection was not large but major artists were represented and the Van Gogh was wonderful. You can easily spend the day there. The reproductions of period rooms were excellent and decorative arts filled many rooms. The cafe was small with self service but the sandwiches were very good. The food we really enjoyed it.

Margie Duncan

Google
I really enjoyed the annual “Art in Bloom” event again this year! I think it was the best one I have seen. The MIA is a welcoming environment, and we talked to so many of the florists who were there to talk about their floral interpretation of pieces of art. It was just lovely! We also had a great little lunch in the mezzanine cafe. Perfect!

Tobin Spiller

Google
The Minneapolis Institute of Art can hold its own against any museum in London or Europe — and in my opinion, it’s better curated than all of them. It’s extremely well endowed, always free to enter, and boasts an extraordinary collection. The highlight is the many period rooms, where you’re transported to a different time and place. Additionally, the art of Minnesota is super special! I’ll definitely be back!

Matthew Stovall

Google
I have visited many art museums throughout my adventures, but the Minneapolis Institute of Art owns a little piece of heart. The facility is incredible: spacious, beautiful, and well utilized. And then the art is truly sensational: aesthetically pleasing, a wide range of styles, and intellectually stimulating. A must visit if you are in the Twin Cities!!

Brian B

Google
Large, beautiful place. Many helpful staff who are very friendly. The exhibits and how everything is displayed is incredible. One of the best and most surprising art museums I've gone too.

Rachel Pietruszewski (TheRachelPie)

Google
Went with my sister to check out the Art in Bloom exhibit. It was very crowded and hard to find parking, we went around noon on a Saturday but found free parking a block or so away. We walked through many of the exhibits and enjoyed talking to the Florists about their pieces and the flowers they used. Definitely want to come back with my Niece sometime! It was a great way to spend a Saturday for free. Lots of places to take some really cool pictures too.

Edward Kristan

Google
I was in Minneapolis for a long weekend from Chicago and decided to check out the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) on a whim—and wow, I’m so glad I did. First off, it’s free, which is amazing considering how much there is to see inside and how much comparable museums charge. The layout is beautiful and really easy to navigate. They’ve got a little bit of everything—classic European paintings, Asian art, African sculptures, even some really cool modern and contemporary pieces. I spent a solid few hours there and still feel like I only scratched the surface. The collection is vast and diverse. One of my favorite parts was the period rooms. There's something about stepping into a room that’s been set up like it’s from the 1700s that just makes history feel so much more real. I also really appreciated how much medieval and renaissance art they had on the top floor. It was a great visit.
google avatar

Déjà J.

Yelp
MIA is a fun place to check out if you are into art or history. It's mostly free but they do accept donations. They do run a paid exhibit from time to time. Staff were very nice throughout the exhibits and even offered to help take me and friends pics. There's a lot to see. We went on the Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too busy. MIA is connected to the children's theater and when they have plays going on parking can be a bit much. But overall it's pay lots, ramps, street parking & metered parking. They do have a smaller cafe, also a restaurant I think but we could not locate it when we were there.
google avatar

Shelby A.

Yelp
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a must-visit for art lovers! With free admission and three full floors packed with incredible art and exhibits, it's a cultural treasure. There is an attached parking garage for $18 which is not a bad price as it will take you 2-3 hours to truly enjoy the entire museum. Or you can try and find street parking in the local neighborhood. The range of art is impressive, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to explore the collections without feeling overwhelmed. My only minor complaint is that parking can be a bit tricky during busy times, and some popular exhibits can get crowded. Still, the sheer quality and variety of the art make it well worth a visit. A true gem in the Twin Cities! There is also a coat check which I recommend during the winter as it gets a bit toasty and it's annoying to carry a jacket thru the entire museum. They also have a gift shop which was filled with some cool things to buy. There is also a cafe with light bites and refreshments as well.
google avatar

Amber D.

Yelp
I love the MIA; the fact that it's free is just a cherry on top. My husband and I popped in on a whim on Saturday. The museum was busy but not unbearably so, we were able to see all of the exhibits we wanted to. The fact that it's free allows for us to just see SOME things & not feel pressured to see all of it every time, which is really nice. The gallery spaces & building themselves are also beautiful. In all, this is a gem that anyone from in or out of town has to see!
google avatar

Steve S.

Yelp
This is one huge, beautiful and free museum! It's a great place to spend some time. We spent 4 hours here and could have spent 4 days more. It's a wonderful collection of various artworks. Paintings, statues, furniture, paneling, pottery, and on and on. We will most certainly be back the next time ewe are no the Twin Cities.
google avatar

Ari M.

Yelp
There is such an amazing variety of art at MIA! Super fun activity for when it's too freezing to bear the outdoors and the free entrance is a great plus!
google avatar

Erica R.

Yelp
Whenever I visit a new city, I try and visit one of their museums. I also discovered that the Minneapolis Institute of Art has a piece by my favorite artist ever on display - "Olive Trees" by Van Gogh. Knowing that, I wanted to make sure to visit the MIoA to not only see the "Olive Trees" piece in-person, but also to enjoy a signature museum of this city I was visiting for the first time. Also, it doesn't hurt that the MIoA is free to enter (special exhibits often require an extra ticket at a cost). Donations are recommended (and appreciated), but visiting MIoA's permanent exhibits is free and accessible to all. There are three floors to wander, including themed galleries for Asia, Africa, Ancient Art, and the Pacific Islands on the 2nd floor. The 3rd floor contains mainly Modern & Contemporary, Europe, Judaica, and others. Make sure to take a floor map of the museum with you - but if you're like me and looking for a VERY specific piece as well? You can search the museum website for the gallery location of a particular piece (and yes, I did find "Olive Trees" on view in gallery 355). I do recommend visiting during the week (if you're able). I actually visited around 11am on a random Thursday morning and was surprised to see pretty much every seat in the museum cafe was full, and there were actually a good number of people wandering the museum (and that was after a bus or two of school-aged children were leaving just as I was arriving). It wasn't packed (like you often see when visiting places like MoMA or other museums in NYC), but it was still a surprising number for a Thursday morning. TL;DR Well done museum with a greater-than-expected variety of works. Friendly staff, and visiting (unless you're there for a special event or exhibit) is free!
google avatar

Chelly G.

Yelp
I've came here twice, once for for their Black History Month event and again yesterday for Bike Night and the Black Waters Screening. The museum is always free so I think everyone should try to check it out if they can. There is a coffee shop and store inside on the first level. There are several exhibits so you may want to speak out you visit over a couple days or just focus on 1 or 2 exhibits. The event nights are fun because they have a great DJ and they serve drinks!
google avatar

Nycole M.

Yelp
Ambiance 4/5 Very beautiful art and background information. A great place to frequent in any occasion. Its a plus that the Children's theatre is attached. Service 5/5 Great customer service at the front desk, and Agra Culture restaurant. Price: Free.99 for entry - can't beat that $12 for parking. Can typically find off-street parking however it was Saturday morning and jumpin. Everybody and they mama was there, lol. Overall 4/5 Parking can be a pain sometimes but its totally worth the beauty inside.
google avatar

V W.

Yelp
Free museum. Closed Mondays. We enjoyed the best part of a day viewing the two floors of varied artwork, sculpture, photography and furniture. While there didn't seem to be any spectacularly famous large pieces, we did observe a few smaller Monets, Gauguins and Van Goghs. There's a café and restaurant on site, restrooms on every floor and a quality gift shop. Was this helpful?
google avatar

Crystal D.

Yelp
MIA is one of my favorite places! Entry is free and you can spend hours wandering around the different exhibits. The building is beautiful and enhances the beauty of the different art. The Explorer Membership is also free and gives you discounts on café purchases and free tickets to special exhibition on Member days. If you have not been here, please do! As a side note, parking is usually easy to find but it is paid parking so be prepared.
google avatar

Michael B.

Yelp
This is probably the best art museums in the region, and it's entirely free! To leisurely view each floor you'll need at least 3 hours. Chances are you'll get distracted by quite a bit as you browse. The first floor has a café with some basic food options. There's also a gift shop. Parking is available on the street right in front of the museum if you're lucky. Ask the front desk about their favorite pieces to get a free self guided tour listing.
google avatar

John K.

Yelp
This place is a lot more than what you would expect. They have artifacts, paintings, and just priceless items from all over the world and as far back as Noah's flood even! (From what I've seen). It's free! It's completely worth going if you want to be in awe!
google avatar

Troy S.

Yelp
This is a great art museum. It is free for all, free will donation, however, to keep it free for those who can't afford to pay to get in. They have some amazing exhibits. Some of the exhibits are permanent while summer rotating. You could spend hours upon hours here. Personally, I like to take it in smaller aliquots . I do love the art but about 90 minutes is enough for me. Free street parking otherwise relatively inexpensive parking lot parking close by. They have a restaurant on the second floor, gift shop on the first floor.
google avatar

Katie S.

Yelp
I can't recommend this place enough. It's a free art museum that is absolutely stunning. The best part about the free price tag is that you can explore one part of the museum at a time and keep coming back. I only have a 1-2 hour timeline before I need to leave, so I appreciate being able to keep coming back and take in different exhibits. It's a fun place to bring friends, family or even a date. It's a welcome place to walk around at any time, especially in the dead of winter.
google avatar

Leah T.

Yelp
My son did not have school today so we decided to check it out. I love that it's free but we did donate as we entered. The exhibits were fun and educational. My son was shocked at the lack of security cameras. It was a fun afternoon out. It was easy to find street parking nearby for free.
google avatar

Dan C.

Yelp
I am a massive museum fan, and a fan of massive museums that you can get lost in for hours. MIA is the 5th largest museum in the country. Yeah, I didn't know that either. Somehow, I lived here for over 2 years before visiting. I will blame my small (and wonderful) children for that. So, when I found out about the monthly kids days at the MIA, we made it happen. On kids day, they have hands-on art drawing/painting and often have s story time or something. It is all done on the first floor, near the enclosed playroom - all of which are near the entrance, so you don't have to schlep past all sorts of priceless stuff, worrying about the damage your kids will cause. Oh, and that playroom is excellent, BTW. Perfect for burning off excess energy either before or after the event. Also near the door is a cafe with coffee and light fare, perfect for a mid-morning refuel. On to the art - this place is massive, as mentioned above. They have a lot of everything and you can come, spend a lot of time in one area and come back again and again, exploring different parts of the place and it never seems to get old. The staff here are friendly and helpful, and I always find on-street parking nearby as well.
google avatar

MIlton S.

Yelp
"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done." ~Vincent Van Gogh What a spectacular collection of art! The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an arts museum located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, Mia is one of the largest art museums in the United States. Its permanent collection spans about 20,000 years and represents the world's diverse cultures across six continents. The museum has seven curatorial areas: Arts of Africa & the Americas; Contemporary Art; Decorative Arts, Textiles & Sculpture; Asian Art; Paintings; Photography and New Media; and Prints and Drawings.
google avatar

Beth G.

Yelp
My favorite place in Minneapolis! I come here about once a month and can't get enough of it. My favorite time to go is Thursdays when they're open later! It's always been clean and the staff is so kind and friendly. I love sitting at the cafe to have a chai or glass of wine before wandering around
google avatar

Alena B.

Yelp
Really enjoyed visiting this MIA. It was a mix of an art museum and historical museum. Very unique the way they displayed various statues, sculptures, artifacts, & mediums of artwork. I liked the themed rooms from different regions. There is a cute cafe inside of the building as well. FREE admission as well!!! We went on a Saturday when there were no special exhibits being showcased, which is the only time there would be an entrance fee. Family friendly place. There's even a children's section in it. I would highly recommend coming here if you're new to Minneapolis and looking for a staple spot to come visit!
google avatar

Anna H.

Yelp
We went to the Korean exhibit earlier this month in July and thoroughly enjoyed it! The only thing to mention was the audio guide was a little finicky towards the end but I loved how it started off with history and how people perceive Korean culture currently in the United States. We had a bit of time before and after to walk around the other exhibits and see all the art. This is definitely a great place for families and children to go together to learn more about art history and global cultures.
google avatar

Leo L.

Yelp
MIA has a large collection of relics, paintings, and sculptures from different cultures. Among them there are works from renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh. It definitely takes one whole day if you want to explore the entire museum, and there is no admission fee. Yes, you can visit the museum for absolutely free! It is a must visit place!
google avatar

Kayla Q.

Yelp
I have been visiting the MIA since I first moved to the Twin Cities in 2013. My first experience was attending the Art in Bloom exhibitions over Mother's Day. For a while, it became a tradition to go with my mom over Mother's Day each year. Since then, I have been going to MIA for their special exhibits, my favorite being the Guillermo Del Toro exhibit. I still talk about how amazing it was, not just the artifacts, but the entire experience. You could spend an entire day at the MIA and still have more to see. Not only is it an incredible resource in out community, with free admission to their general exhibits. If you are looking for a cost effective way to spend a day, I would highly recommend the MIA. I will say, parking can sometimes be tough and you do have to pay for it. I typically bike or bus there as I am able. And if you are looking to purchase food, that also might come at a high price point.
google avatar

Heying D.

Yelp
One of the best Asian art exhibits I've ever visited. This is a huge, spacious, and beautiful museum. I can't believe the admission was free (donation recommended). It houses not only Asian art, but also European and modern art. Exhibitions change. I could have spent the whole day here. Highly recommend!
google avatar

Kate K.

Yelp
Incredible to have a free art museum of this caliber to access! The current paid Korean exhibit is also fascinating and worth the admission. Such a gorgeous space! Definitely check out their family days, too!
google avatar

Whitney T.

Yelp
I love the art museum, parking really sucks unless you're from the city and used to street parking. The location is great. My favorite part was the " hands on" section from the Native American. The temperature was cool/ warm depending on each section you walked into.
google avatar

Bum B.

Yelp
Great place to go and visit. It's something different from always being on your phone. Great art and masterpieces. Security on point. It's free and a lot of stolen Buddha statues lol. JK
google avatar

Grant A.

Yelp
Came on Friday. Beautiful building and was surprised by how much art is within the building. Thought it had a nice mix of modern work with classics in addition to photography content.
google avatar

Saphace A.

Yelp
This museum is FREE. You read that right! I walked right in and they told me I didn't need to pay anything. I don't think you can bring large bags in here. Although, I did see a couple people with backpacks so I'm not entirely sure. It's 2 floors of art and historical artifacts. Lots of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Native, European art. Masks, Jade carvings, tribal clothes, statues, etc. They even had tea rooms and other rooms in there so you could see what it would've looked like back in the day. Tons of walking that you can do here. Many small rooms all over the place. I saw benches but not enough to satisfy my tired feet. Overall, they have quite an extensive amount of things here. It's a large museum, but I think the Detroit Institute of Art is larger and has probably a lot more to see. But this is impressive though! The downstairs area has one small gallery and an eating area. The food counter is mostly to-go sandwiches, salads, and side pastas and such. They also have all kinds of drinks too. I don't think they prepare any hot food. But you can order coffee and all that. I got a turkey sandwich which was pretty good. Not dry or anything. Overall, a must see if you come to Minneapolis.
google avatar

John O.

Yelp
Will give you FOMO So many nooks and crannies Miss something? Come back. Prior to today, I do not think I have been to MIA since I was a child. I was quite impressed. There is not much on the first floor where you enter so don't let that dampen your expectations. The vast majority of the action is on the second and third floors. It can kind of feel like a maze with no signs pointing you in the right direction. Maybe that is good, maybe that is bad. I wouldn't have minded big red direction arrows on the floor. The art covers many different genres and global regions. There is really something for everybody. Best of all it is 100% free all day every day! Come back as often as you want and your bank account will never notice.
google avatar

Kate C.

Yelp
Way too crowded! The museum was much less enjoyable because there were so many people. Apparently, they used to have timed entries - it might be better to go back to that. I actually put a mask on because people were having coughing fits and sneezing everywhere sans masks. It felt like a germ bubble! Lastly, the parking/Uber situation is horrible on the weekends. It's next to a children's theatre and it's so hard to get close to the museum.
google avatar

Lexi M.

Yelp
We were in the area for the Art in Bloom Festival and I was SO excited to be here for it. The art museum itself had amazing pieces. The layout was a tad odd and we kept getting turned around, but I really liked how they organized the art periods. The cafe here looked really nice, but we didn't stop by. Great museum!
google avatar

Sarah E.

Yelp
MIA is a great cost friendly activity for friends, kids, or visiting parents! There is a lot to see here even without spending money. The paid exhibits are worth the money though - would recommend. This museum has an AMAZING gift shop!! Such a great place to buy presents. The cafe is pretty nice, but you can't take them to the 2nd floor, and aren't too many seats available when busy. Parking can be really tricky during popular events. Recently we had to park a few streets over and walk about 10 minutes.
google avatar

Jenny G.

Yelp
The MIA is such an adventure with every visit! I feel like I discover something new each time, and today was no different! The museum itself is both beautiful and huge, and it feels like I've been transported to Europe with the marble and architectural style. The museum contains art from many world famous artists such as Van Gogh, Matisse, Monet, Seraut, Dali, O'Keefe, and more! It was fun to see many artists who I recognized, and definitely some new favorites as well!! I am particularly fond of the Impressionism style, so I spent the longest viewing in that section but they do have different art and art styles from around the world so there's something every art lover can appreciate! We found street parking nearby for free, but they do have a ramp for $5.
google avatar

Jessica T.

Yelp
My teenager and I needed an outing. The idea of seeing an entire museum can be daunting so I told my son to pick what he wanted to see. Sculptures. Admission is FREE Which makes this type of adventure possible. Next time it's my turn. Photography

Kimberly D.

Yelp
The art they had here was amazing! I had such a fun time here with my family. I will visit again.
google avatar

Lisa S.

Yelp
I have been a member of MIA for several years. It's a wonderful place to meander. My last visit was for the special exhibit 'Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art'. We visited on a member day and joined a guided tour. It was a great learning experience to hear from an expert about several key works of art. I really enjoy hearing the stories behind the artists which is harder to get from just reading placards. It was a introspective opportunity to think about your own beliefs and experiences with regard to the supernatural. I included a couple of pics of my favs from the exhibit. So many interesting special exhibits but much more regular artworks to explore every day of the year.
google avatar

Kathleen K.

Yelp
My favorite art museum. We stopped in for the Botticelli and Renaissance Florence exhibit. It has been several years since I visited and it is like seeing an old friend. The exhibit was very good but crowded. The free audio tour was a big help. The third floor is still my favorite. Lucretia in all of her sad splendor is still prominent, the Renaissance colors vivid and a wide assortment of artists. I missed Peace Concluded but will find it next time. Wonderful museum for everyone.
google avatar

Deb D.

Yelp
One of the best museums I've visited in a long time! We purchased tickets to the Botticelli exhibit, and set aside time to visit the rest of the museum. I loved the period rooms and the Frank Lloyd Wright areas the most, and there is something here for everyone. Best of all, the museum is free! I would visit all the time if I lived closer!
google avatar

Erin A.

Yelp
It's a beautiful museum, packing in amazing variety for a space you can essentially view in total in a day. And it's free so all can enjoy.
google avatar

Kaitlin U.

Yelp
I grew up in Iowa and didn't have something like this near me, ever. I feel so lucky to have a lovely museum like this one so close to where u live. I like this museum so much that I'd make people meet me here for first dates!! I've also come here for events, like Creative Mornings, and I loved it. The only thing that I would improve about Mia is the parking! There's street parking and paid parking, but I'd still add more. Sometimes you have to drive around a bit. I love their rotating art and come for the guest exhibits, but also love their permanent exhibits. I'd recommend coming to the museum for a day by yourself, to sketch for fun, bringing a friend, or meeting dates here. Since it's free admission it's very accessible, and there are lots of benches to either rest or sketch throughout the building. Definitely recommend! Go to Mia!
google avatar

Andrew T.

Yelp
Such an underrated gem and honestly our favorite place to go. Can't believe this place is donation-based and free admission. We love every single exhibit and spent half a day there and easily could have spent a few more hours browsing.
google avatar

Jessica S.

Yelp
This is a great museum. I am very surprised it is free. A museum like this anywhere else is at least $20. Watch out for the prices on the fancy chocolate bars in the gift shop. Those are also $20.
google avatar

Risa Y.

Yelp
It's 2022! After a 2 year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, Art in Bloom, the annual celebration of art and flowers, is back in bloom ! The imaginative floral interpretations of selected works of art from MIA's permanent collection is just splendid. It's so, so good to be able to return to this museum and experience this wonderful festival. LOVE you and we missed you. Welcome, welcome back.
google avatar

Chandra R.

Yelp
Amazing! Great place to go walk around. The coffee at the coffee shop is always delicious too.
google avatar

Elle B.

Yelp
Being on vacation in a big city, what I really wanted to see were museums. I haven't been since moving away from Chicago and it's a cultural experience I have greatly missed. Due to my own poor/casual planning, we didn't allow time to enjoy MIA like it deserves. As soon as my friend got off work, we booked it over to the museum leaving us about an hour before close (oops lol.) We grabbed a quick snack from the cafe while we reviewed the map, then set off to peruse the museum at a brisk pace. My former art major bestie was determined to find The Veiled Lady as the piece had been traveling the last time they tried to see it. (She's on the third floor and worth seeking out! The detail in the sculpture is incredible.) Small but mighty, the museum has a good variety of art and artifacts from around the world to suite any art lovers palette. Some of my favorites included the mid century furniture, the indigenous art like the totem poles, as well as some of the modern landscapes and portraits. Art bestie was nearly crying over the Lady and kept gasping over the early European oil paintings especially. Inclusivity side note: While scurrying through the many rooms, we reflected on what these collections implied and what kind of art and artists were represented. It is an incredible privilege to have access to art from around the world, especially at a free museum, but the cost to those communities then and now can't be taken lightly. Having more context to accompany the art would be beneficial, but it would've also been nice to see more modern works from BIPOC artists instead of only distant relics. (Hopefully, this extreme summary of that conversation makes sense. If anything, just use the opportunity to check in with your privilege while enjoying the art.) In any case, don't be like us - give yourself at least a few hours to take in the art. No reservations required here! Free street parking also, but it can be tricky.
google avatar

Vivian C.

Yelp
Amazing collection and exhibits. Love the Art in Bloom event, and discover new art every time I go. Got to talk to an art expert who shared some interesting history and background on impressionism. So much to see!

Deb W.

Yelp
One of my favorite art museums. Great variety of art from many epochs. Very helpful staff. Especially good impressionist collection, but also includes art from many cultures dating back thousands of years, including Native American, ancient Chinese...One of my favorite annual exhibits is "Art in Bloom" in which the museum partners w/ local florists who mimic specific pieces of art with floral arrangements--a perfect start for spring. Excellent special exhibits are present throughout the year.

Kathy A.

Yelp
World-class museum that my whole family -- two adults, two children -- really enjoyed. I'm a member of my local art museum with reciprocal benefits (NARM) so we would not have had to pay had they had admission. But MIA is free to all, all the time! Love it and highly suggest you check out this excellent museum.
google avatar

Stephanie G.

Yelp
What more can be said about this free sanctuary of culture and art. The perfect way to spend an afternoon, either alone or with someone else. I loved the modern photography room. Right now there is an exhibit featuring women photographers and I spent a lot of time connecting with each piece. I now regularly check for new exhibits and will certainly be back soon. As of this post, the cafe and auditorium are still closed and masks are strongly encouraged.