The Weisman Art Museum sits on the east bank of the Mississippi on the University of Minnesota campus at 333 East River Road, and it is the free alternative for visitors who want a smaller, more contemporary art stop than the big downtown museums. The site states plainly that admission is always free, and the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, opening Wednesday through Friday from 10 to 5 and weekends from 11 to 5. Its programme is built around changing exhibitions, with recent shows pairing contemporary Indigenous and international artists, alongside open studios, family programming and a collection that the university uses for teaching. The building itself, a landmark of sculptural metal on the riverbank, is part of the draw and is worth a look from outside as well as in. It suits art lovers who want something quieter than Mia, visitors on a tight budget and anyone staying near the university or the river, and it can be a very enjoyable hour or two between the Mississippi and the neighbouring campus.
Planning
Use the museum’s visit page for the current days, hours and any holiday or exhibition-change closures, because the museum runs on a Wednesday-to-Sunday pattern and some special events are for members only. Parking and directions are on a separate page of the site, and the building is reachable from downtown Minneapolis by bus, rideshare or a bike ride along the river. There is no admission charge, so you can plan the visit around the weather, and if you are in the area it can be done in an hour.
What to see
The exhibitions rotate several times a year, so look at the museum’s current programme before you go. Recent shows have included work by contemporary Indigenous and Vietnamese-American artists and an exhibition on Indigenous lands since 1776, which gives a sense of the museum’s interest in history, place and social questions.
Open Studio sessions let visitors make their own art alongside the featured artist, and the museum’s website lists these by date. It is a good place for visitors who are interested in how contemporary art engages with local and national history rather than in famous names.
Making the most of it
Combine the Weisman with the Bell Museum, which is a short drive away, or with the Mia and the Sculpture Garden for a day devoted to art. The Stone Arch Bridge and Mill City Museum are a short ride down the river, so a morning at the Weisman followed by an afternoon on the riverfront makes a good shape for a first visit.
Because the museum is free and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, plan it for midweek or weekend and check the exhibition dates first so you see what you came for. Families with children will find that the museum runs family programming, and teenagers in particular tend to respond to the contemporary work.
What to expect
The experience
A free contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions and open studios on the university riverbank.
Best time
Wednesday to Sunday, with a midweek visit for a quiet gallery.
How long
One to two hours.
Tips
Closed Monday and Tuesday, so check the exhibition dates and hours before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and budget-conscious visitors.
- Families
- Good for older children and teenagers who enjoy contemporary art.
- Couples
- A free, low-key gallery stop with the river nearby.
- Pair with
- Bell Museum, Mill City Museum or the Stone Arch Bridge.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is the Weisman Art Museum free?+
Yes. The museum states that admission is always free.
What are the opening days?+
Wednesday through Friday from 10 to 5 and Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 5. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Where is it?+
At 333 East River Road on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, on the Mississippi riverbank.
What kind of art does it show?+
Rotating contemporary exhibitions, including recent shows with Indigenous and international artists.
Where do I find parking?+
On the museum’s Directions and Parking page, which the visit page links to.
