Take the time to appreciate the exterior of the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) before you step inside the building’s design is considered part of its art collection. WAM was first built in 1934, but a 1993 redesign by Frank Gehry made the museum world famous. This award-winning architect later went on to design the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The WAM building on the campus of the University of Minnesota is one of the best attractions in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, and from inside you’ll see good views of the Mississippi River.
WAM holds more than 17,000 works, with a focus on modern art. Visit the permanent American Modernism collection to see pieces by Georgie O’Keeffe, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist. The vast collection of Native-American pottery is also not to be missed, with ceramics from as early as 350 B.C.
Another exhibit recounts the story of later artists: The now extinct Mimbres people made intriguing bowls with pictures of hunting, religion, gambling and dancing before they mysteriously vanished from the Arizona desert around 1150.
Browse the collection of traditional Korean furniture with ancient pieces from the Silly and Choson dynasties. Major American and international art exhibitions also visit the museum check the website for details.
The free Weisman Art Museum is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. There are free public tours on weekends. Paid garage parking and public transport are available and the campus is part of the Nice Ride MN bike share system. The museum and WAM shop are closed on Mondays and some major public holidays.
Stop by the museum at sunrise or sunset for another free treat the building puts on a dazzling light show as its shiny surface reflects the colors in the sky.
Weisman Art Museum Tours
Visit Weisman Art Museum
Browse tours and tickets to explore Weisman Art Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 51 activitiesOpens in new tabSaint Paul Gangster Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tabMinneapolis Riverfront Ramble: A Journey of Discovery
Attractions
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabMall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabTwilight Whispers: A Romantic Stroll Through Minneapolis
Adventure & outdoor
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabMall of America: Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf Ticket
Popular places to visit
Huntington Bank Stadium
Catch an event at Huntington Bank Stadium during your trip to Minneapolis. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Stone Arch Bridge
Stroll across this historic 23-arch bridge, which spans the mighty Mississippi and offers views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis riverfront.
Guthrie Theater
Watch a show at night or tour the remarkable building during the day at this world-class theater in Minneapolis.
Mill City Museum
Learn about how a flour mill and the Mississippi River shaped the identity of Minneapolis at this exciting museum housed within 19th-century ruins.
Mill Ruins Park
Explore the great outdoors at Mill Ruins Park, a lovely green space in Minneapolis. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Saint Anthony Falls
Explore the historic district and heritage trails that surround the thundering waterfall that powered the fledgling city of Minneapolis.
Best Lodging Options Near Weisman Art Museum
Check availability on hotels close to Weisman Art Museum
- Vacations and getaways similar to Weisman Art Museum
- Other Hotels near Weisman Art Museum, Dinkytown
- Hotels near popular Minneapolis - St. Paul Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Weisman Art Museum
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Mall of America
- U.S. Bank Stadium
- Target Field
- Nickelodeon Universe
- University of Minnesota
- Valleyfair Amusement Park
- Minneapolis Convention Center
- Xcel Energy Center
- Mystic Lake Casino
- Lake Minnetonka
- Canterbury Park
- Nicollet Mall
- University of Minnesota-West Bank Campus
- Allianz Field
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Moxy Minneapolis Downtown
- Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown
- The Westin Minneapolis
- Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
- Rand Tower Hotel , Minneapolis, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Sonder at LUNA
- Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area
- Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot by Marriott
- Kasa University Avenue Minneapolis
- The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
- Hotels near Mall of America
- Hotels near U.S. Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Target Field
- Hotels near Nickelodeon Universe
- Hotels near Target Center
- Hotels near University of Minnesota
- Hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center
- Hotels near Xcel Energy Center
- Hotels near Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Hotels near Mississippi River
- Hotels near Orpheum Theatre
- Hotels near Nicollet Mall
- Hotels near Huntington Bank Stadium
- Hotels near University of Minnesota-West Bank Campus
- Hotels near Allianz Field
- Hotels near Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Hotels near Guthrie Theater
- Hotels near Minnehaha Park
- Hotels near University of St. Thomas