The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts (MIA) is a world-class museum with a robust collection of its own, and a staff ready to latch onto hard-to-get traveling exhibitions. The beautiful building (adjoining the Children's Theatre Company) is home to everything from Matisse to Georgia O'Keeffe. There are ancient artifacts from Asia and Africa, and a revolving display of Minnesota artists. Don't forget to stop at the museum shop—there's something there to tempt every shopper.
Best and worst time to go to the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts
The best time to go is mid to late afternoon. Weekends are always busy; mornings and early afternoons will find busloads of school children and summer campers visiting.
Must see/do at the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts
The museum has extensive (and ancient) Asian art holdings on the second floor that are well worth exploring. The third floor has a thorough collection of European and American artifacts from 1600-1900, including a room recreated from a Duluth, MN home that was built in 1904. While you might think from the grand Italianate exterior that the MIA is only for classical art, that's not the case; check out the Contemporary Art exhibit that includes pieces by Roy Lichtenstein and George Morrison.
Admission to the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts
General admission to the main galleries is free. Some of the visiting exhibitions and events have fees.
Parking and public transportation to the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts
There is limited free street parking around the MIA, as well as a paid parking ramp and parking lot. Metro Transit has a bus route (#11) that runs right by the MIA, and there are several other routes that have stops within a few blocks.
Food at the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts
Agra Culture Coffee Shop and Café is open during all museum hours, while the Agra Culture Restaurant is open for lunch Saturdays and Sundays. The coffee shop doesn't offer much food (although it does have wine and beer), so if you're visiting during the week, keep in mind that a several-block-long stretch of streets called Eat Street is nearby on Nicollet Avenue. If visiting on the weekend, has a good selection of salads and sandwiches, and you can expect to spend about $10-15 per person.
Insider tip for visitors to the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts
Check out the museum's calendar ahead of time. Besides looking for current exhibits, take a look at the event calendar—there's usually something special going on, whether it's a lecture or education event, or the monthly event known as Third Thursday, which is usually themed and often involves live music and special exhibits.
Author's bio: Amy C. Rea is the author of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes: an Explorer's Guide, and Backroads & Byways of Minnesota. Her third book, Camping Minnesota, will be out in 2016.