Plains Art Museum

Museum · Fargo

Plains Art Museum

Museum · Fargo

2

704 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102

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Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null
Plains Art Museum by null

Highlights

Free art museum featuring Native American & contemporary art  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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704 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102 Get directions

plainsart.org
@plainsartmuseum

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704 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102 Get directions

+1 701 551 6100
plainsart.org
@plainsartmuseum

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Last updated

Aug 28, 2025

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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Fargo, North Dakota

"To understand the culture of the state, head to the Plains Art Museum. The free art museum is the largest accredited art museum in North Dakota with over 4,000 works including Native American art. On display until June 2024 is the exhibit “This is Not Black and White,” reflecting a diversity of place, ethnicity, culture, gender, and medium linked by the use of black-and-white imagery."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/things-to-do-in-fargo-north-dakota
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North Dakota’s only accredited art museum highlights contemporary, regional, and Native American work, with hands-on classes in the Center for Creativity. Often cited by travel editors; free general admission keeps it welcoming to all.

https://plainsart.org/visit/hours-and-admission/
Things to Do in Fargo (2025)
View Postcard for Plains Art Museum

MEGHAN CUMA

Google
What a fantastic FREE art museum! The fact that it’s free gives it 5 stars for me. The quality of the art is beautiful but the museum isn’t huge. I was a bit disappointed that there was only one or two photos from North Dakota artists, I was expecting more local art.

Alecs Kay Photography

Google
The Plains Art Museum in Downtown Fargo is a beautiful place for a wedding ceremony and reception. They have the main floor for smaller weddings, or the bigger third floor for more guests. Guests can enjoy the galleries and there is plenty of space to spread out throughout the venue. There is also space for the bride and groom to get ready for the day!

Ben Rotko

Google
Small but mighty museum with well-curated galleries highlighting regional and global art. The front desk staff were also excellent!

Bruce K.

Google
It is not a large museum but don't let that stop you. It is still full of new, different and unique pieces that you're not going to see elsewhere. I was here for an hour on a peaceful Sunday morning, just about the only patron. So it was quiet and reflective. I particularly enjoyed the "Jacqueline Kennedy" by Andy Warhol (1965) screenprint. But there is plenty more in all sorts of different media. Quite interesting and since the admission is free, you have no excuse!

Jim Aderman

Google
The Plains Art Museum has an interesting range of art. Even if art is not your thing, visit the museum to see the building. It's worth a visit.

Zia Muhammad

Google
A must visit place If you are an art lower and plan to visit Fargo. Fun place and classic art - No tickets need. Free entry - A gift shop to buy stuff

J Watson

Google
What a lovely local museum! It’s free, 2+ floors and has incredible contemporary indigenous and traditional art. A must see if you’re in town for a little bit as it only takes 45 minutes to go through.

Jaye Aster Broder

Google
Free art museum thanks to donors. There appears to be event space. We liked the contemporary living artists exhibits. Most are 2D art. There is air conditioning. There isn’t much pre-contemporary work. We like how it’s open late on Thursday’s.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
It is not a large museum but don't let that stop you. It is still full of new, different and unique pieces that you're not going to see elsewhere. I was here for an hour on a peaceful Sunday morning, just about the only patron. So it was quiet and reflective. I particularly enjoyed the "Jacqueline Kennedy" by Andy Warhol (1965) screenprint. But there is plenty more in all sorts of different media. Quite interesting and since the admission is free, you have no excuse! [Review 20762 overall - 121 in North Dakota - 1744 of 2023.]
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Private U.

Yelp
I was fortunate to see some amazing original photographs here in the Fall of 2002. My friend and I made the drive from the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) to another Twin Cities (Fargo-Moorhead), and it was so worth it. I had to come here because I'd visited Yosemite NP just two years earlier in the Summer of 2000, and I vividly remembered the Ansel Adams gallery in the park. The photos in that gallery are not the originals. Here are the details from an old email: Sept. 9-Oct 20 How the West was Won: The Photographs of William Henry Jackson and Ansel Adams
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Kristyn M.

Yelp
Made it into Fargo and decided to come check out the art gallery for a few minutes. We were warmly welcomed. We got a quick tour instructions and then we were on our own. Very pretty building. Free admissions. Some fun pieces to see. Looks like they have lots of programs and art classes. I enjoyed my visit very much.
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Brandon M.

Yelp
Wasn't sure what to expect from an art museum in North Dakota, but was mildly impressed, while being a little disappointed. First, you must bring your own face mask when coming to visit, as that is a requirement. General Admission is free, so that is definitely a plus, for what the museum has to offer. Only the first 2 floors are open, and there is not much on those floors. The majority of the pieces are located on the first floor, and the second floor are mostly the work of Dyani White Hawk, and Native American artist with her MFA, and comes from S.D. The work she has on display is quite impressive, which is why I felt that the museum sits at 3stars.

Celia H.

Yelp
The building itself is unique as it was an old tractor showroom, beautiful wooden floors and bright open spaces. Great collection of art by numerous artists and fun gift shop to peruse. Would definitely visit again.
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Eric B.

Yelp
The Largest Museum in North Dakota! Gayle and I were in Fargo for a family celebration and had a little free time Saturday afternoon. The Museum is easy enough to find, in what I would call an off-main downtown location. And by my greater-Berkeley standards, parking is cheap and plentiful. We were impressed during our 1-hour stay, with our only regret being that we didn't have enough time to fully explore all 3 floors and linger longer within this architecturally interesting renovated historical warehouse. The exhibits feature national and regional modern art that we found to be displayed nicely and creatively. Of course, I also hit the small gift shop, which features some local items.
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Kate H.

Yelp
A beautiful little museum with a great permanent collection and fascinating rotating exhibits. And I love their gift shop -- it's small but has a great mix of art and trinkets. But I especially love all of the community events that take place here. Last winter, they hosted the Red River Market's winter farmers market with tons of produce and coffee and prepared food. Today they're hosting a Native American crafts fair with a bunch of vendors selling clothing, prints, cards, pottery, quilts and more. There's always something worth going to.

C K.

Yelp
This small museum was conveniently located, with easy parking, no entry fee, friendly staff, and interesting exhibits. It may not be a long visit, and there were a few pieces of art that parents may want to detour by if they're with little ones. I really enjoyed it. And, the place was large enough to stay socially distant while perusing the art. The one exception was the gift shop, which could best accommodate just one or two at a time. Definitely worth a visit when you're in Fargo!
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Kensa M.

Yelp
If you stop make sure you save time for the 3rd floor exhibition called "the other four" it was an incredible time. Lots of beautiful art to see.
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Bonnie L.

Yelp
Brought my team here for a daytime activity while competing in the area in January. For a group of college ice skaters, they thoroughly enjoyed walking the three floors of exhibits, really enjoying the interactive exhibits and the feature on young people's scholarship awarded work. Staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, sharing their favorite exhibits with our team before they took off into the museum. Was a hit for a group of 30 Michigan college students who come from all over the country. Gift shop is small and features many ND made products.
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Ben L.

Yelp
Always happy to go here. The service is always awesome, and the art they hold here is always fresh and exciting. They hold many events here which I recommend for the anyone!
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Julia U.

Yelp
I like the museum. This review is for the art classes. I took a glassworking class in November. Cool stuff to learn, certainly would never have another opportunity. Glass pieces have to be annealed after making them, so we had to pick them up at the next class. The work from the last class would simply have to be picked up later. I was told by the studio manager I would get an email when it was ready to pick up. I never got this. I reached out to the studio manager literally FOUR times and never heard back. I reached out to higher ups - nothing. It took me a really long time to write this because I absolutely hate writing bad reviews. I work in a customer service industry and I know slip-ups happen. But this is ridiculous. If they lost it, TELL me. I worked hard on my pieces and want them back, but clearly will never have them. Don't bother taking art classes here if you want to actually take your work home.
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Maggie C.

Yelp
Thoughtfully curated, the Plains Art Museum offers a little something for everyone, regardless of your relationship with art. Aficionado, amateur, or completely apathetic, the Plains will have something to challenge your perspective. From the small sculpture of a falling person tucked in the upper corner of a stairwell to the regularly-rotating main exhibits, the pieces at the Plains cover a wide spectrum. There are pieces that will make you cry, "Now, THAT'S Art." There are pieces that will make you wonder what the artist was thinking. There are pieces that will cause you to ponder what the meaning of "art" even IS. Bonus: admission is FREE, so you can visit as often as you want! The Plains Art Museum abounds with treasures in every corner. Keep your eyes peeled for Art in unexpected places!
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Hank C.

Yelp
The only fine art museum in Fargo, from what I know. When this first opened, we took a trip to look over the facility. In downtown Fargo, this location suffers a need for more parking, but aside from that, we found the building light, beautifully designed, and packed with art and exhibits that highlight the local history and Plains history. Beer & wine in the cafe, as well as snacks, and reasonable entry fee.
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Christopher S.

Yelp
Nice regional and international represtational museum and gallery. Workshops, classes and talks offered. Great gift shop and luncheon.
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Vernon A.

Yelp
Very small museum in a nicely renovated building. Has three levels each with a gallery. They do have a restaurant with great food at low prices and a gift shop. So small the front desk staff follows one to the gallery as guard and to the gift shop as cashier. And that self same person, day I was there, had a piece of art on display and talked to me about it. I truly enjoyed myself visiting this place. In a nice area of town with various shops and things to wander through. Gift shop features small but well-chosen selection of local jewelry.
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Kat V.

Yelp
One of the only museums in the area (other than the Rourke - which is sort of 'interesting') and definitely worth a visit. The new building and facility is gorgeous! They did a fantastic job renovating the old downtown building and it is just amazing. I have gone there almost every time I have been back home visiting my family and managed to catch a new exhibit every time. I have never been disappointed. Of course, they have a lot of local artist - and some of it is pretty folksy, while that is not my thing, I can still appreciate it. The other exhibits are great. The permanent collections if spectacular as well. It is not a large museum and naturally does not come near the magnitude of places like the Walker down in the Twin Cities (minneapolis/st paul), but it is a great place for the area. Fargo-Moorhead often gets a bad wrap culture wise (claiming there is a lack there of - people are great, but the town is called boring all the time), but if people passing through as well as locals stopped at the Plains they would be pleasantly surprised! Also, amazing location for a formal event! I have been there while they were setting up for wedding receptions and it was always so beautifully arranged and put together.
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Erin J.

Yelp
The Plains Art Museum is the only fine art musem in Fargo, Im pretty sure. Three floors of exhibits along with hallway exhibits. The Plains Art has fair admission prices, and certain days or discounts for students etc.... LIve music every now and then. Cafe and beer and wine available. So glad fargo has a place like this. Great place to use for a social event like your wedding reception, or what have you.
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Ron H.

Yelp
My first time here was for a huge local business expo and it was so much fun. I barely had a chance to look around since I was so busy making coffee but the interaction with locals was fabulous. I found some awesome moustache wax, woo!

Elisabet H.

Yelp
The Plains is an awesome place to spend a free afternoon. They also offer inexpensive classes in various art mediums. It features many talented local and Native American artsists.
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Angie M.

Yelp
Stopped at the Unglued: Craft Fest which is held at the Plains Art Museum, which I think is great! It is so fun to be able to do some shopping and listen to live music, but also step away to go into the gallery to check out the latest exhibit! The skyway was also open so it was very cool to see the latest in the creative studios. It was a bonus, two trips on one!