Minneapolis Things to Do Tips by acemj

Weisman Art Museum Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Review

The University of Minnesota's art program is flourishing these days and its centerpiece is the Weisman. The museum was designed by the famous American architect Frank Gehry who is probably most well-known for the Guggenheim in Spain. The building itself is impressive and the collection is interesting as well. When we were there in November of 2003 there was a Gehry exhibit as well as a photographic tribute to Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone who was recently killed in a plane crash.

Address: 333 East River Road

Directions: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus, East Bank.

Other Contact: Free w/ a $3 suggested donation

Phone: (612) 625-9494

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Walker Art Center / Sculpture Garden Review

If you're visiting the Walker Art Center on a nice day, be sure to walk across the street to the outdoor Sculpture Garden. There is a huge conservatory as well as a number of interesting modern sculptures strewn throughout a well-kept 11 acre grassy park. There is a relatively new bridge that spans the highway here and takes you safely across to Loring Park. Be sure to walk up there to get some good photos of the park, the Walker Art Center, the Sculpture Garden and the city skyline.

Address: Located on Vineland Place

Directions: At the junction of Hennepin, Lyndale, and Oak Grove

Website: http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac

The Guthrie Theater Theater / Music Review

The Guthrie has been around since the early 1960s. It is named after its founder, Sir Tyrone Guthrie who also directed the first production to be seen here (Hamlet, 1963). The last time I went to a play here was probaby in the early '90s, but my mom still goes here at least once or twice a year and raves about it. Minneapolis has a thriving theater scene with more theaters per capita than any other U.S. city other than New York City.

For a list of plays and ticket information, see the website below.

Address: 725 Vineland Place

Directions: Across from Loring Park and attached to the Walker Art Center

Phone: (612) 377-2224 (box office)

Website: http://www.guthrietheater.org

The Walker Art Center Walker Art Center / Sculpture Garden Review

The Walker recently got a facelift courtesy of the architectural talents of the world renowned Frank Gehry, but even before the renovations, the museum was well-known nationwide for showing cutting edge art and dance and really anything that is ground breaking.

The focus here is on modern art, which is not my favorite, but if you are interested in this style, the Walker is top-notch.

Address: 725 Vineland Place

Other Contact: $6/ adult

Phone: 612.375.7622

Website: http://www.walkerart.org

Grain Belt Brewery Food / Drink Review

The story of this local brewery is pretty interesting. It began in 1893 in Northeast Minneapolis on the banks of the Mississippi River and in the intervening years has survived prohibition, economic crises and other obstacles. It closed in the 70s only to reopen as a result of the efforts of many preservationists and local activists.

Mill City Museum Mills / Mill Ruins Park Review

The Mill City Museum tells the history of the mighty Mississippi River, the flour industry and how both helped put Minnesota on the map. It's built in the ruins of the Washburn A. Mill, which was partially burned down in a fire in 1991.

You can sample bread in the Baking Lab, splash around in the Water Lab or just admire the creative design of the museum itself. It reminds me of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin since it's built in an old building and the museum tour takes you up from ground floor to the top.

Address: 704 South Second Street

Directions: Downtown

Other Contact: $8/adults

Phone: 612-341-7555

Website: http://www.millcitymuseum.org

Orpheum Theater Theater / Music Review

Wanna see a Broadway show in the Twin Cities? No problem. This historic theater brings big-time Broadway productions to the frozen Midwest. Call for a schedule of shows.

Actually you have tons of choices here. The Twin Cities have more theaters per capita than any city in the United States other than New York City. Hennepin Avenue, where the Orpheum is located, has recently undergone a lot of changes and is looking better than ever. There are a number of theaters and good restaurants along this street in the heart of downtown.

Address: 910 Hennepin Ave

Phone: 612-339-7007

Westminster Presbyterian Other Art / Architecture / Musuems Review

Westminster Presbyterian in dowtown Minneapolis was founded in 1857 and the sanctuary was renovated in the late 1990s. In 1999 Westminster was entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 1200 Marquette Avenue

Phone: 612-332-3421

Website: http://www.wpc-mpls.org

Downtown Downtown Review

Here's a shot of the Minneapolis skyline. It seems to get a little bigger every time I go back. St. Paul also has some skyscrapers, but the architecture there is more conservative and it seems to be more controlled (or coordinated with the other buildings) than Minneapolis's more eclectic look.

City Hall details Downtown Review

This photo shows the beautiful vestibule of City Hall. Also of note, is the 345 foot clock tower which was added in 1895. Its clock face measure slightly larger than that of London's Parliament Building's clocktower.