Walker Art Center
Acclaimed venue featuring contemporary art, a renowned sculpture garden, and family-friendly amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Walker Art Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Acclaimed venue featuring contemporary art, a renowned sculpture garden, and family-friendly amenities.
"Come for the cherry spoon, stay for the existential dread... or just enjoy the art!"
🎯 Free Admission Days
Enjoy free entry on Thursdays and the first Saturday of the month. Great for budget travelers!
👟 Explore the Sculpture Garden
The outdoor sculpture garden is free and a must-see, especially Spoonbridge and Cherry!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spoonbridge and Cherry
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Iconic giant spoon with a cherry on top. A whimsical and instantly recognizable landmark.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Outdoor space adjacent to the Walker
Spacious outdoor gallery featuring diverse modern sculptures amidst lush greenery.
Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody
Gallery spaces
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing Haring's vibrant paintings, sculptures, and personal journals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Art and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Days
Enjoy free entry on Thursdays and the first Saturday of the month. Great for budget travelers!
👟 Explore the Sculpture Garden
The outdoor sculpture garden is free and a must-see, especially Spoonbridge and Cherry!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden are fantastic locations for photoshoots.
☕ Coffee & Bites
Grab a coffee and a bite at the onsite bistro or nearby Cardamom for a full experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Days
Enjoy free entry on Thursdays and the first Saturday of the month. Great for budget travelers!
👟 Explore the Sculpture Garden
The outdoor sculpture garden is free and a must-see, especially Spoonbridge and Cherry!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden are fantastic locations for photoshoots.
☕ Coffee & Bites
Grab a coffee and a bite at the onsite bistro or nearby Cardamom for a full experience.
🚫 Art Touching Rules
Remember, you absolutely cannot touch the art. Be mindful of children around exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Walker Art Center for its engaging contemporary art, especially the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry in the free Sculpture Garden. Families appreciate the kid-friendly amenities like sensory rooms and art supplies, while budget travelers benefit from free admission days. Some find certain exhibits emotionally challenging, but the overall experience is considered enriching and visually stimulating.
"We had a great time with the kids today, the staff there was extremely friendly and helpful, especially with the children. They were able to help navigate throughout the museum and were very insightful on the exhibits. The sensory rooms that they have are pretty good for the children that help them to be able to relax in between going to all the different exhibits. They do an amazing job catering to the needs of the kids, especially knowing that a lot of the people coming in there will be coming with families. I was definitely pleased to see that, with working in special education, I definitely know the benefits of the children having that in between all of the walking. The ability to cater to kids drives the interest for children to pursue art. I will definitely be going again sometime soon with the family and would recommend anybody getting out to go see that as well. They also have mini golf as well as the sculpture garden right across the street."
Royce Bell
"I've been wanting to come to this museum for a while! I went here after a nice brunch in the area, and love every second of it. Beautiful art. Quiet place! If you have EBT you have free entry. There is a parking ramp with a charge of $8. A amazing place and I definitely recommend. Someone took the time to explain the museum to us, and where everything is. Offered our kiddo a pencil and paper to write and color on. Told us about the kid areas around the museum where you can have a quit stop with your kiddo to color. You absolutely cannot touch the art!
There was a worker who almost grabbed our kiddo when he touched an art piece, which was the only con. Overall everything was good."
Jas Gomez
"Walker Art Center: Come for the cherry spoon, stay for the existential dread.
So, I went to the Walker Art Center—famous for its bold, weird, and deeply "what am I looking at?" kind of art. And let me just say: mission accomplished. I walked in expecting inspiration. I walked out needing a hug, a snack, and possibly a support group.
Most of the exhibits leaned heavily into themes of abuse, sex, or historical atrocities. And while I fully respect the importance of truth-telling through art, I didn’t expect to feel like I was walking through a visual trauma minefield. I wanted to be moved, not emotionally steamrolled.
There were a few pieces that did catch my eye—but by the time I saw them, I was too emotionally numb to appreciate them, much less take a photo. Honestly, it felt less like an art experience and more like a dare. "Bet you won’t make it to the end without losing faith in humanity."
BUT there was one bright spot—an interactive section where visitors could draw something meaningful and explain why. I loved that! The coloring pencils were so dull you could use them as stress sticks, but I got resourceful and carved some life out of them with my nails (yes, I arted like a gremlin). Then I went home and recreated my doodle digitally, because my soul needed closure.
And let’s not forget the real MVP: the outdoor sculptures.
The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry is still amazing. So amazing, in fact, that my boyfriend and I came back a second time before leaving. It’s whimsical, it’s weird, and best of all—it didn’t scream historical despair at me.
Would I go back? Maybe… but only on a free night, and only after a pep talk."
Rachel Diggs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Walker Art Center is located in Minneapolis. Public transportation options are available, and there's a parking ramp onsite for those driving. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
Yes, there is a parking ramp available for visitors. Be aware that there is a charge for parking, typically around $8.
If you are staying in the downtown Minneapolis area, walking might be an option, but it's a significant distance. Public transport or a short drive is generally recommended.
Several bus routes serve the area around the Walker Art Center. It's advisable to use a transit app or the official Metro Transit website to find the most direct routes from your starting point.
Yes, Minneapolis is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike racks available at the Walker Art Center. It's a great way to enjoy the city before or after your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission can vary, but the Walker Art Center offers free admission on Thursdays and the first Saturday of each month. Visitors with EBT cards also receive free entry. +1
The Walker Art Center typically has specific operating hours, which can vary by day and season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions or during peak times. Some TikTok creators suggest commenting 'WALKER' for booking links.
Yes, the Walker Art Center offers free admission on Thursdays and the first Saturday of every month. This is a great opportunity to experience the art without an admission fee.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, located across the street from the main building, is generally free to access and does not require an admission ticket.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The Walker Art Center features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art, including paintings, sculptures, media, and performance art. Exhibitions change regularly. 
Yes, the Walker Art Center is family-friendly, offering sensory rooms, art supplies, and engaging exhibits. Staff are helpful with children.
The Sculpture Garden is an expansive outdoor space showcasing a variety of modern sculptures, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry. It's a popular spot for photos and leisurely strolls.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas for personal use, but flash photography may be restricted. Always check signage for specific exhibit rules.
The Walker Art Center often features interactive elements, including areas where visitors can draw and express themselves. These can be particularly engaging for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Walker Art Center has an onsite bistro, and the nearby Cardamom restaurant is highly recommended for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and coffee.
The onsite dining options often include contemporary American cuisine. Cardamom, a popular nearby spot, offers flavorful sandwiches and aromatic coffee.
Besides the onsite options, the area around the Walker Art Center has a vibrant food scene. Cardamom is frequently mentioned as a great choice for a meal or coffee.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries. It's best to enjoy your meals at the designated dining areas or nearby restaurants.
For a post-museum meal, consider Cardamom for Mediterranean flavors or explore other dining options in the vicinity of the Walker Art Center.
📸 📸 Photography
The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture and the broader Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are prime photo locations. The modern architecture of the building itself also offers great backdrops.
Tripod usage may be restricted, especially during busy periods or for specific exhibitions. It's always best to check the Walker's photography policy on their website or inquire with staff.
Exhibitions like 'Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody' offer visually rich content. The Sculpture Garden is consistently a photographic highlight.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, often provides beautiful lighting for photography in the Sculpture Garden. Weekday mornings can also offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Drone photography is generally prohibited in and around public institutions like the Walker Art Center due to safety and privacy concerns. Always adhere to local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Influencers
+1 The modern architecture of the building itself also provides a striking backdrop. Weekday mornings or during free admission periods can offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Solo Travelers
The opportunity to engage with contemporary art at your own pace, combined with the option of enjoying a coffee at the onsite bistro or nearby Cardamom, makes for a fulfilling solo outing. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
+1Visitors can wander through the garden, discovering diverse works from renowned artists. The layout encourages leisurely strolls, with winding paths and open green spaces providing a serene backdrop for the art. It's a popular spot for picnics, photography, and simply enjoying a blend of nature and modern artistry. The garden's accessibility means it's a fantastic option for a quick visit or a longer, more contemplative experience.
Beyond the Spoonbridge, the garden features pieces like the Love sculpture and various abstract forms that invite interpretation. The changing seasons also offer a unique perspective on the sculptures, with snow-covered landscapes in winter and vibrant foliage in warmer months. It’s a testament to how art can interact with its environment, creating a continuously evolving visual dialogue.
Navigating Contemporary Art at the Walker
+1Exhibitions at the Walker can range from deeply personal explorations to broader societal commentaries. While some visitors find the themes challenging or thought-provoking, the art aims to engage viewers and encourage critical thinking. For instance, the exhibition 'Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody' delves into the artist's prolific career and his accessible approach to art-making.
Some reviews note that exhibits can lean towards heavy themes, but also highlight the value of truth-telling through art. For those new to contemporary art, the Walker often provides resources and staff who can offer insights into the works. The inclusion of interactive elements and dedicated family spaces aims to make the experience more approachable for a wider audience. It’s an environment designed to provoke, inspire, and foster a deeper understanding of the art of our time.
Family-Friendly Experiences
Beyond the sensory rooms, the Walker offers art supplies, such as coloring pencils and paper, allowing younger visitors to express their creativity inspired by the exhibits. Staff are often noted for their helpfulness in guiding families, pointing out kid-friendly areas, and offering engaging activities. This thoughtful approach encourages children to develop an interest in art from an early age.
In addition to the indoor galleries, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers a vast, open space for children to explore and interact with art in a more dynamic way. The presence of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry provides a fun, recognizable landmark for kids. The combination of indoor and outdoor attractions makes the Walker Art Center a well-rounded destination for a family outing.
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