{"id":933,"date":"2022-02-23T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=933"},"modified":"2023-08-19T21:54:16","modified_gmt":"2023-08-20T02:54:16","slug":"how-to-see-one-museum-a-week-all-summer-long-for-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/how-to-see-one-museum-a-week-all-summer-long-for-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Over 28 Free Museums in Minneapolis in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why I love all the Free Museums in Minneapolis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m not talking about the smaller ones. I\u2019m talking large-scale museums that are comparable to any big city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are over 28 free museums. Ok, I know what you are thinking. Can there really be that many free museums in Minneapolis?<\/p>\n\n\n

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Are there free museums in the Twin Cities?<\/h2>\n
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Yes, Minnestoa 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 Capital, 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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Everyday Free Museums in Minneapolis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Minneapolis Institute of Art<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minneapolis Institute of Art<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can only go to one museum, make sure you stop here. Avoid getting lost at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 to the left me running from one room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong>
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<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most photographed museums in Minneapolis is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden<\/a>. It is open year-round and located next to the Walker Art Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minneapolis Sculpture garden brings in visitors from everywhere. They recently went through a major renovation and had a bunch of new installations. It’s like walking through a whole new park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you go, make sure to find out “What happened to the trees?<\/a>” It will help explain why the changes were so significant.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The American Museums of Asmat Art<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 2115 Summit Ave #44C, St Paul, MN 55105
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The University of St. Thomas holds a collection of Asmat art<\/a>. The Asmat people lived in southwest New Guinea. It currently is the most extensive collection in the country and has regularly changing exhibits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a wonderful museum worth checking out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota State Capital<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota state capital also went through a major renovation. Theirs focuses more on updating and cleaning the artwork to bring it back to its original condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to bring your camera, because this place will blow you away. Tours are held every day for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn what a MN State Capital Tours is like: Inside the Minnesota State Capitol<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Minnehaha Depot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Minnehaha Park Hwy 55 &, Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in Minnehaha Park<\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Sunday from 1-5pm, Memorial Day-Labor Day, view exhibits about early railroad history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you enjoy the history, also think about visiting one of our Historic Trains in Minnesota. These cost extra but are a lot of fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Como Zoo and Conservatory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Como Zoo and Conservatory<\/a> is open year-round. They host a variety of different animals, gardens, art, and family fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The zoo has an amusement park on-site that costs, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I highly recommend exploring the gardens. There is a whole hidden area past the primary conservatory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out some great parts about the Como Park Zoo Conservatory<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Weisman Art Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weisman Art Museum<\/a> in a modern art gallery is owned and operated by the University of Minnesota. The outside of the museums is amazing works of art too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NWA History Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota’s hometown Airline could have gone to the wayside when it merged with Delta. Instead, they have their own history center<\/a>. Telling the history of the airline and how it shaped the travel industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See vintage stewardess outfits and model aircraft. Any airplane buff would have a great time. Every day is free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hennepin History Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pay as you can<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in Minneapolis, the Hennepin History Museum<\/a> has a wealth of different exhibits to explore. Some of my favorites are the rotating collection that comes through. They specialize in cultural aspects of history throughout Minnesota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Union Park, Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those that like to look upward at their history, join the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics<\/a> for some stargazing opportunities. Weather depended, on the student and graduate students’ programs and presentations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They include public telescope viewing from the roof of the Tate Building, State Park programs or offering to create customized group events for different organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 11411 Masonic Home Dr, Bloomington, MN 55437
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center is both an event center and a free museum, exploring the work of the Freemasons\u2019 throughout the world. They have documented the thousands of Masonic artifacts collected over the years by Minnesota Masonry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be a mason-dummy, explore the history of Freemasonry! From the Fraternity\u2019s formation in England in 1717, to the rise of anti-Masonic sentiment and the evolution to a world-wide fraternal order, find out the real origins of Masonic ritual and legend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a unique museum you need to check out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Free Museums Days in the Minneapolis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota Children\u2019s Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
When: FIRST Sunday of Every Month<\/strong>
More Info<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota Children’s Museum<\/a> 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\u2019t know they are learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Admission to the Childrens Museum is on the First Sunday of the month thanks to the generous sponsorship of Securian Financial for the St. Paul location only. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information on the Free Museum Day can be found by clicking here<\/a>.
What to take a peak inside? Check out Minnesota Children\u2019s Museum | Powerful Play in Action<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Walker Art Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
When: FIRST Saturday of Every Month<\/strong>
More Info<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Walker Art Center<\/a> focuses on the visual, performing, and media arts of our time. It is located right next to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the free day, click here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Ways to get Free Tickets to Museums in Minneapolis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

smART Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SMART Pass is available for those with Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington County, and Saint Paul Public Library Cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They limit the number of tickets in most cases to two per library card, per intuition, per year. Check out their website<\/a> for more details on how to get on free museums Minneapolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your ticket through smART Pass by clicking here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smithsonian Museum Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In honor of the Smithsonian, museums around the country are offering free admission to participating museums. On the Third Saturday in September, over 33 museums in Minnesota will be allowed free entry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must reserve your ticket ahead of time. Check out Smithsonian<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bank of America’s Museums on Us<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bank of America and Merrill Lynch card holders<\/a> can visit more than 200 of the most popular cultural centers worldwide for free, the first full weekend of every month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Got a 6th Grader?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnesota 6th graders during the school year can get free admission<\/a> to any MNHS site and museum. It’s good only for the 6th grader but still something to take advantage of for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Discounted Deals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Half Priced Deals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your museum isn\u2019t on the list, check out Groupon<\/a>. You can sometimes get half-price deals on places like the Museum of Russian Art<\/a> with $5 admission and the Hennepin History Museum<\/a> membership discount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your discounted ticket by clicking here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limited Income <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any type of government assistance, you may qualify for discount admission to museums as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Places like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Children’s Museums, the Minnesota Historical Society Museums including the Mill City Museums, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bell Museum of Natural History and the Bakken Museum. They have free admission and discounts as steep as $1 per person for those that qualify. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To qualify you usually need a document listed below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n