Frederick Weisman Museum
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Weisman Art Museum

4.6
·806 reviews·Minneapolis, United States

A free art museum on the UMN campus, famed for its stunning Frank Gehry architecture and diverse contemporary exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Frederick Weisman Museum

Weisman Art Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free art museum on the UMN campus, famed for its stunning Frank Gehry architecture and diverse contemporary exhibits.

4.6
(806 reviews)

"This is a bit of a hidden gem of a museum that ois on the UMinn campus. It is FREE, for one thing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art and architecture without spending a dime. A true hidden gem!

📸 Architectural Photo Ops

The building's unique design makes it a prime spot for stunning photos.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 845 reviews

Type

Art museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frank Gehry's Architectural Marvel

Frank Gehry's Architectural Marvel

Exterior

A dazzling stainless steel and brick masterpiece by Frank Gehry, this building is a work of art itself.

Diverse Art Collections

Diverse Art Collections

Galleries

Explore American and contemporary paintings, ceramics, and thought-provoking exhibits on feminism and history.

Riverfront Views

Riverfront Views

Mississippi Riverfront

Admire the museum's unique architecture from the scenic riverfront entrance for the best perspective.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Architecture & Art

The Weisman Art Museum is as much about its stunning Frank Gehry-designed exterior as its diverse art collections. Plan to spend time admiring the building's unique stainless steel and brick facade from various angles, especially from the riverfront entrance. It's a free museum, making it an accessible cultural stop on the University of Minnesota campus.

Timing is Key for Access

While the Weisman Art Museum is free, its operating hours can be limited, especially on weekends. Check their schedule before you go. Some visitors note difficulty observing the building from certain campus areas due to access restrictions, so knowing the best vantage points beforehand can enhance your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Catch exhibits before lunch rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Planning to explore the Twin Cities? Don’t forget to make a stop at the Weisman! 😉🎨 #weismanartmuseum #wam #umn #universityofminnesota #artmuseum #minnesota #minneapolis #gogophers #umnproud #exploremn #thingstodoinminneapolis #campuslife #twincities
@weismanartmuseum
171 likes • 7.5K views

✨ Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art and architecture without spending a dime. A true hidden gem! Instagram

📸 Architectural Photo Ops

The building's unique design makes it a prime spot for stunning photos. Instagram+1

Did we mention that admission is free? 😉 #wam #weismanartmuseum #umn #universityofminnesota #artmuseum #minnesota #minneapolis #gophers #umnproud #umnproud #exploremn #thingstodoinminneapolis #campuslife
@weismanartmuseum
1.9K likes • 60.6K views
Is this the coolest museum building you’ve ever seen?!?! 😍 it’s FREE 👏 Welcome to the Weisman Art Museum 📍 This museum is located near the Minneapolis University campus and its such a staple! Absolutely recommend you stop here when in Minneapolis even if you’re not a museum person because just seeing this building from the outside is incredibly cool 👏 I’ve literally never seen anything like it...
klostintravel
39 likes • 696 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Campus

Combine your museum visit with a stroll through the beautiful University of Minnesota campus. Reddit

🚗 Paid Parking Nearby

If driving, be aware that parking garages on campus are paid. Reddit

Weisman Art Museum 🖼️in Minneapolis is a great spot for photos because of the modern design of the building, and beautiful surroundings!📸 . . . . . #minnesota #mn #minneapolis #photoshootideas #photoshoots #photoshooting #photoshootlocation #photoshootspot #museum #photolocationideas #weismanartmuseum #photoplaces #photographers
_tuliam
3.2K likes • 51.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art and architecture without spending a dime. A true hidden gem! Instagram

📸 Architectural Photo Ops

The building's unique design makes it a prime spot for stunning photos. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Campus

Combine your museum visit with a stroll through the beautiful University of Minnesota campus. Reddit

🚗 Paid Parking Nearby

If driving, be aware that parking garages on campus are paid. Reddit

⏰ Check Hours Before Visiting

Limited visiting hours can make planning crucial. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(806 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Weisman Art Museum as a free, hidden gem on the University of Minnesota campus, highlighting its stunning Frank Gehry architecture and diverse, thought-provoking art exhibits. While the building itself is a major draw, some note limited hours and occasional difficulties with campus access points. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile and accessible cultural experience.

"This is a bit of a hidden gem of a museum that ois on the UMinn campus. It is FREE, for one thing! It has a really fun facade that makes it one of more unique buildings in the Cities and certainly on campus.
There is a fun Cities concept exhibit that talks about you can think of different City concepts than the norm, and it has an interesting sky way map in the downtown Minneapolis.
A variety of classic and modern-ish art displays. A great reason Togo to campus and then explore a very beautiful campus as well!"

Don Dude

"Really neat museum located on the U of M campus near Coffman Union on the west bank. No admission requured."

Tam Huynh

"PROS: Worthy and relevant example of great contemporary architecture. Fine urban relations to be explored and discovered.
CONS: limited visit hours. Extremely difficult to observe from the surrounding, largely due to the U. of Minnesota’s public access restrictions to its buildings across the bridge on the opposite side of the Mississippi River."

Glen Trebilcock

What People Like

Free admission
Unique architecture
Diverse exhibits

What People Dislike

Limited hours
Campus access issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Weisman Art Museum is located on the University of Minnesota campus at 333 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455. It's accessible by public transportation, and if you're driving, campus parking garages are available for a fee. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are paid parking garages on the University of Minnesota campus. If you're coming from downtown Minneapolis, it's also a pleasant walk across the bridge. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk across the Mississippi River bridge from downtown Minneapolis to the museum, offering great views. Reddit

The museum's exterior is a major draw. For the best views of its unique stainless steel and brick facade, try approaching from the riverfront entrance. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Weisman Art Museum is situated on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, near Coffman Union on the West Bank. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Weisman Art Museum offers free admission to all visitors, making it a fantastic and accessible cultural experience. InstagramReddit

The museum's hours can vary, and it's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit, as they can be limited. Reddit

Since admission is free, advance booking is typically not required. However, it's always a good idea to check their website for any special event ticketing or reservation policies. Instagram

The museum is generally open on Saturdays, but hours can be shorter than weekdays. Always confirm the specific weekend hours on their official website. Reddit

Yes, the Weisman Art Museum frequently hosts a variety of rotating exhibits, including contemporary art, architectural showcases, and thematic displays. Check their website for current exhibitions like 'Imagining Future Cities'. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the Weisman Art Museum, but it's always best to check for any specific exhibit restrictions or ask a gallery attendant. Instagram

The exterior architecture by Frank Gehry is a major highlight for photographers. The riverfront entrance offers particularly striking views of the building. Instagram+1

Commercial photography or professional photoshoots may require special permission or fees. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for their policies on commercial use. Instagram

The museum's modern, sculptural design, with its unique stainless steel and brick elements, provides a visually dynamic backdrop for photography. Instagram+1

Yes, the University of Minnesota campus offers many picturesque spots. However, be mindful of any specific campus regulations regarding photography in certain areas. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

A typical visit can take anywhere from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your interest in the art and architecture. Some visitors spend longer exploring the campus. Reddit

The museum features a diverse collection, including American and contemporary paintings, ceramics, and often hosts exhibits on social themes like feminism and African American history. InstagramReddit

While it's an art museum, the striking architecture and some of the more visually engaging exhibits can appeal to older children and teens. It's a good option for a family outing if art is of interest. Reddit

Yes, visitors have noted there are spaces with ample light where you can sit and rest, making it a comfortable spot for a break. Reddit

The museum has featured exhibits that explore urban concepts, including a 'Cities' exhibit that discusses different ways of thinking about city planning and features a skyway map of downtown Minneapolis. Reddit

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