Walker Art Center
Minnesota
The Walker Art Center is a leading multidisciplinary contemporary art museum located in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established initially as a private art gallery by lumber baron Thomas Barlow Walker in 1879, it evolved into a public art center in 1940. The Walker is celebrated for its expansive permanent collection, which includes over 13,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, media works, costumes, and prints. Its architectural presence was significantly enhanced by the 1971 building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and a 2005 expansion by Herzog & de Meuron, adding gallery space, a theater, restaurant, and event areas. The museum is also notable for its dynamic visual arts program, commissioning works and hosting artist residencies, as well as for its pioneering performing arts department that presents a diverse season of performance art, theater, dance, and music. The adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Cowles Conservatory complement the Walker, together attracting around 700,000 visitors annually. The center's dedication to innovative exhibitions and live performances makes it a cultural hub in the American Midwest.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends when the Sculpture Garden is popular. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and to take advantage of any available discounts. Check the Walker's official website for current exhibition schedules and special events. The museum offers accessibility services and has dining options on-site. Combining a visit to the Sculpture Garden enhances the experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Walker Art Center's collection includes over 13,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art.
- •The museum hosts one of the nation's largest performing arts programs within a museum setting, with a 25-show season annually.
- •The Walker Art Center was originally founded as a private gallery in 1879 by lumber baron Thomas Barlow Walker.
- •In 2011, the Walker acquired 150 art objects from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, including sculptures, sets, and costumes by renowned artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns.
- •The adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is part of the Walker Art Center complex and significantly contributes to its annual attendance of around 700,000 visitors.
History
The Walker Art Center originated in 1879 as a private collection in the home of Thomas Barlow Walker, a prominent lumber baron.
In 1927, the collection was formally established as the Walker Art Gallery.
Supported by the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, it transitioned into the Walker Art Center in 1940, marking its public opening.
The current museum building was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and opened in 1971, with a major expansion by Herzog & de Meuron completed in 2005.
Throughout its history, the Walker has expanded its focus from visual arts to include performing arts and moving image programs, becoming one of the most influential contemporary art institutions in the United States.
Place Guide
Main Galleries
These galleries showcase the Walker's permanent collection and rotating contemporary art exhibitions, featuring works by artists such as Chuck Close, Andy Warhol, and Edward Hopper.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden1988
An outdoor extension of the Walker Art Center featuring iconic sculptures including the famous 'Spoonbridge and Cherry' by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
Performing Arts Theater2005 (expansion)
A venue within the Walker dedicated to live performance art, theater, dance, and music, supporting innovative and experimental works.
Cowles Conservatory
A greenhouse adjacent to the Sculpture Garden that houses a variety of plant species, providing a unique natural complement to the art experience.
Contact
Phone: (612) 375-7600
