Over 28 Free Museums in Minneapolis and St. Paul (2026 Guide)
The Twin Cities is filled with all kinds of fun and exciting things to do, especially when it comes to museums. We have a world-class collection that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Going to a museum shouldn’t break the bank.
That’s why I love all the Free Museums in Minneapolis.
I’m not talking about the smaller ones. I’m talking large-scale museums that are comparable to any big city.
There are over 28 free museums. Ok, I know what you are thinking. Can there really be that many free museums in Minneapolis?
Are there free museums in the Twin Cities?
Yes, Minnesota is home to over 28 museums you can visit for free, every day or on special days. The 11 museums you can visit free everyday are Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, The American Museums of Asmat Art, The Minnesota State Capitol, Minnehaha Depot, Como Zoo and Conservatory, Weisman Art Museum, NWA History Center, Hennepin History Museum, The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics, and the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center.
Everyday Free Museums in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Location: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
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The Minneapolis Institute of Art is always free and is considered one of the best museums for the range of items. They have everything from Monet to Matisse, Asian to African, 40,000-year-old artifacts to world-famous masterpieces.
If you can only go to one museum, make sure you stop here. Avoid getting lost at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
They have something for everyone that will draw you to every corner including Van Gogh. In addition to being a great museum, they also have a haunted side that left me running from one room.
The MIA is a great museum to explore with new pieces being rotated in.
How to Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art without Getting Lost
The museum also has some ghosts lingering around. Check out my first-hand experience!
Are you Brave Enough To Go To A Haunted Minneapolis Institute Of Art
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Location: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
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One of the most photographed spots in Minneapolis is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. It is open year-round and located next to the Walker Art Center.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden brings in visitors from everywhere. It went through a major renovation and added a collection of new installations. It’s like walking through a whole new park.
Before you go, make sure to find out “What happened to the trees?” It will help explain why the changes were so significant.
The American Museums of Asmat Art
Location: 2115 Summit Ave #44C, St Paul, MN 55105
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The University of St. Thomas holds a collection of Asmat art. The Asmat people lived in southwest New Guinea. It currently is the most extensive collection in the country and has regularly changing exhibits.
This is a wonderful museum worth checking out!
The Minnesota State Capitol
Location: 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155
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The Minnesota State Capitol went through a major renovation that focused on updating and cleaning the artwork to bring it back to its original condition.
They offer free guided tours that will give you access to things you won’t see on the self-guided tours, including access to the golden horses on the top.
Make sure to bring your camera, because this place will blow you away. Tours are held every day for free.
Learn what a MN State Capitol Tour is like: Inside the Minnesota State Capitol
Minnehaha Depot
Location: Minnehaha Park Hwy 55 &, Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
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Located in Minnehaha Park, the historic train depot is the first train station on the west bank of the Mississippi River. You can walk on the platform and explore the station.
On Sundays from 1–5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, view exhibits about early railroad history.
If you enjoy the history, also think about visiting one of the Historic Trains in Minnesota. These cost extra but are a lot of fun!
Como Zoo and Conservatory
Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
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The Como Zoo and Conservatory is open year-round. They host a variety of different animals, gardens, art, and family fun.
The zoo has an amusement park on-site that costs extra, but everything else is free. They ask for donations to help fund the park, but it’s a great way to explore and spend a day.
I highly recommend exploring the gardens. There is a whole hidden area past the primary conservatory.
Check out some great parts about the Como Park Zoo Conservatory
Weisman Art Museum
Location: 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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The Weisman Art Museum is a modern art gallery owned and operated by the University of Minnesota. The outside of the building is an amazing work of art in itself.
It was established in 1934 and prides itself on being a teaching museum. Its mission is to create art experiences that spark discovery. They offer free tours available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm.
NWA History Center
Location: Crowne Plaza AiRE MSP Hotel, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN 55425 (3rd floor)
Hours: Thursday & Friday 11am–5pm | Saturday 10am–2pm
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Minnesota’s hometown airline could have faded into history when it merged with Delta. Instead, they have their own history center, telling the story of the airline and how it shaped the travel industry.
See vintage flight attendant uniforms and model aircraft. Any aviation buff would have a great time. Admission is always free — donations are appreciated. Note that the museum has moved to the Crowne Plaza AiRE MSP Hotel near the Mall of America, and is open Thursday through Saturday only. Check their website for the latest hours before you go.
Hennepin History Museum
Pay as you can
Located in Minneapolis, the Hennepin History Museum has a wealth of different exhibits to explore. Some favorites are the rotating collections that come through. They specialize in cultural aspects of history throughout Minnesota.
The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics
Location: Union Park, Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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For those who like to look upward, join the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics for some stargazing opportunities. Weather permitting, student and graduate student programs and presentations include public telescope viewing from the roof of the Tate Building, as well as State Park programs and customized group events for different organizations.
Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center
Location: 11411 Masonic Home Dr, Bloomington, MN 55437
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The Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center is both an event center and a free museum, exploring the work of the Freemasons throughout the world. They have documented the thousands of Masonic artifacts collected over the years by Minnesota Masonry.
Don’t miss the history of Freemasonry! From the Fraternity’s formation in England in 1717, to the rise of anti-Masonic sentiment and the evolution to a worldwide fraternal order, find out the real origins of Masonic ritual and legend.
This is a unique museum you need to check out.
The Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center is just one of the fun things to do in Bloomington. Check out some of the other great things to do by clicking here.
Special Free Museum Days in Minneapolis
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Location: 10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
When: FIRST Sunday of Every Month
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The Minnesota Children’s Museum is a place where kids can learn and explore. The place is filled with all kinds of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. I like to think of it as a giant playground where kids don’t know they are learning.
Free Admission to the Children’s Museum is on the First Sunday of the month thanks to the generous sponsorship of Securian Financial, for the St. Paul location only. Advance reservations are required — tickets go fast! Tickets become available at 10am on the Monday two weeks before each free Sunday.
Information on the Free Museum Day can be found by clicking here.
Want to take a peek inside? Check out Minnesota Children’s Museum | Powerful Play in Action
Walker Art Center
Location: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
When: FIRST Saturday of Every Month & Thursday Evenings
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The Walker Art Center focuses on the visual, performing, and media arts of our time. It is located right next to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Walker now offers two regular free admission opportunities: Free First Saturdays (10am–3pm) and free Thursday evening admission from 5–9pm. Kids 18 and under, EBT cardholders, and citizens of Tribal Nations are always admitted free.
For more information on free days, click here.
Minnesota Historical Society Free Admission Days
When: Four times per year
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Did you know that four times a year, the Minnesota Historical Society opens its doors completely free? That means no-cost admission to some of the best paid museums in the Twin Cities, including the Mill City Museum near the Stone Arch Bridge, the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, and the James J. Hill House. These are places that normally run $12–$15 per adult, so a free day is a genuine score.
The free days are spread across the calendar year — typically one per season — and are funded through Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment. Check the MNHS website each year for the exact dates, as they shift annually. Hours are generally 9am–5pm, and most standard programming is available, though some specialty tours may not be offered on free days. It’s a great excuse to finally make it to that museum you’ve been meaning to visit.
Other Ways to get Free Tickets to Museums in Minneapolis
smART Pass
Libraries in the Twin Cities have partnered up with different cultural organizations to provide some great discounted and free tickets to a bunch more museums.
Throughout the year they partner with different museums, nature sites, performance groups, and theatres. Through them, you can get free or discounted admission to these.
American Swedish Institute
Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
Classical Actors Ensemble
Cross Community Players
Firefighters Hall and Museum
Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies
Hennepin History Museum
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Minnesota Fringe
Mixed Blood Theatre
Northrop
Open Window Theatre
Park Square Theatre
Pillsbury House and Theatre
Rosemount Area Arts Council
Sandbox Theatre
Schubert Club
Second Act Players of Rosemount
Stages Theatre Company
SteppingStone Theatre
Teatro del Pueblo
The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
The Singers
Theatre Mu
Theatre Coup d’Etat
Walking Shadow Theatre Company
The smART Pass is available for those with Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington County, and Saint Paul Public Library Cards.
They limit the number of tickets in most cases to two per library card, per institution, per year. Check out their website for more details on how to get free museum admission in Minneapolis.
Get your ticket through smART Pass by clicking here!
Smithsonian Museum Day
In the spirit of the Smithsonian, museums around the country offer free admission to participating institutions each year. On a Saturday in September, over 33 museums in Minnesota typically participate in free entry.
You must reserve your ticket ahead of time — tickets are released on the Smithsonian Magazine website and go quickly. Check out Smithsonian for the latest date and details each year.
Bank of America’s Museums on Us
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch card holders can visit more than 225 of the most popular cultural centers worldwide for free, the first full weekend of every month. Simply show your active card and a valid photo ID at the door — no pre-registration needed.
In the Twin Cities, that includes the Mill City Museum near the Stone Arch Bridge, Historic Fort Snelling, the James J. Hill House, and the Minnesota History Center.
Got a 6th Grader?
Minnesota 6th graders during the school year can get free admission to any MNHS site and museum. It’s good only for the 6th grader but still something to take advantage of for your family.
The Bell Museum
Location: 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113
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The Bell Museum is one of those places that quietly blows you away. As Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium, it’s owned by the University of Minnesota and sits right on the St. Paul campus. Inside you’ll find stunning dioramas of Minnesota wildlife, rotating natural history exhibits, and hands-on science displays that genuinely work for all ages — not just kids.
Here’s the part that makes it even better: the Bell offers free planetarium shows on select days, and general admission is discounted or waived during certain community events throughout the year. It qualifies for the limited income discount program mentioned below, and University of Minnesota students get in free with a valid U Card. Even on a regular paid visit, adult admission is modest — but keep an eye on their calendar because free and discounted days pop up more often than you’d expect. This one deserves its own afternoon.
Free Minnesota State Park Days
When: Four days per year
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If you’re building a full free weekend in the Twin Cities, don’t overlook this one. Four times a year, the Minnesota DNR waives vehicle permit fees at all state parks and recreation areas — no pass needed, just show up. That’s access to over 75 state parks across Minnesota, including several right in the metro area like Minnehaha Falls, Fort Snelling State Park, and William O’Brien State Park, all within easy driving distance of Minneapolis or St. Paul.
The free days typically fall in January, April, June, and November, though the exact dates shift each year — check the Minnesota DNR website each January for the updated schedule. Keep in mind that while vehicle entry is free, fees for camping, rentals, or special tours still apply. Pair one of these days with a museum visit and you’ve got yourself a completely free and seriously impressive day trip.
Other Discounted Deals
Half Priced Deals
If your museum isn’t on the list, check out Groupon. You can sometimes get discounted deals on Twin Cities area museums. Check their current Minneapolis/St. Paul listings for available offers — deals change frequently.
Search for discounted museum tickets by clicking here!
Limited Income
If you receive government assistance, you may qualify for discount admission to museums as well.
Places like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Children’s Museum, the Minnesota Historical Society Museums including the Mill City Museum, the Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Bakken Museum offer free admission and discounts as steep as $1 per person for those who qualify.
To qualify you usually need a document listed below:
- EBT card
- Medical assistance card (includes MinnesotaCare)
- Section 8 document
- WIC folder or card
- Supplemental Security Income verification
- Social Security Disability Benefits verification
- Free/reduced school meal approval
- RCA card (Refugee Cash Assistance)
- General Assistance verification
Check out each museum’s website for more details.
Museums with Discontinued Free Days
Some museums that previously offered free admission days have since ended those programs. We’re keeping them on the list in case anything changes — always check their website for the latest.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Kids 15 and under free with a paid adult (always)
Wander the paths and check out what’s in bloom at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. It’s a great place to take pictures and get some fresh air. Every time I go, I find a new trail to explore. MN Landscape Arboretum | Amazing Spaces, Places and Escapes
Note: The Arboretum’s general free admission days have been permanently discontinued. Adult admission is now $20 for advance tickets or $25 at the gate. Children 15 and under remain free with a paid adult. University of Minnesota students and members of the AHS Reciprocal Garden Network may qualify for waived admission — call ahead for details.
What’s your Favorite?
Now’s your chance to share — what is your favorite free museum in Minneapolis? Mine is probably either the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the Children’s Museum in St. Paul. Post your favorite in the comments and tell us why. I would love to hear about your experiences!
