Walker Art Center

Favorites from the museum's growing collections are still on rotation--Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly. And the expanded galleries showcase traveling shows and independent projects from up-and-coming modern artists and filmmakers. Also part of the package: a cinema, with its own schedule of avant-garde and independent films and videos; and the McGuire Theater, with its intimate performing arts events. Pay parking is available in a garage on the Walker site, accessible from Vineland Place. Additional parking is available in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden pay lot and on the street (hourly and metered). Admission is free every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm and the first Saturday of each month. more

the outdoor sculpture garden is great, I love going for walks in the evening to the sculpture garden outside of walker art center. The spoon with the cherry on it is a beautiful piece of art. I would recommend a visit to the walker art and sculpture garden for anyone at anytime. more

Where do you begin with the Walker -- it is a 8,000 pound whale of a monster on the southwest side of downtown Minneapolis. It is one of the top modern art musuems in the world. It is ours, or is it? Let start with the new Walker. In 2004, the Walker closed its door and undertook a huge expansion and remodel that cost well over a hundred million and changed the landscape of art here forever. But all is not a bed of roses. With all our hopes for this huge expenditure of money, the Walker seems to have become less accessible and not more. The huge expansion of space really amounts to not much more than a large auditorium and a lot of square footage consisting of hallways twisitng and turning around the McKnight auditorium. Don't get me wrong, the McKight Auditorium is a nice performance and lecture space. Yet during the entire process, the Walker staff and leadership proved they have little respect for historical perservation and absolved to waste of a cultural institution and history by wanting to destroy the old Guthrie Theater dsigned by local legend Ralph Rapson. They mistakingly think the building is only about the exterior or skin (that got remodeled a decade a so ago) but its not, it is about the stage and one of the unique few in the world that operates in the 3/4 round. While the trust stage and theater in the round has fallen out of fashion (it was originally in fashion back during the Elizabethian period when Shakespeare lived and wrote plays), the Tyron Guthrie theater space is still a national treasure and it is appauling they are knocking it down. Great things trump temporary trend and fashion and if they had any intellectual vigor and integrity they see their gross error. These are cultural values you's think our institutional leaders would have some respect for but the game is cut throat when this much money is involved. And, they will level the Guthrie and in order to plant sod -- that's it and nothing more. Astonishing really. Additionally, the Walker Art Center completely butchered its bookstore. It cut the space in half, eliminated all of the floor stacks the used to hold row upon row of photography books, theoretical texts, history and exhibition catelogues and basically replaced it with greeting cards, gosh knik-knaks, tee-shirts, coasters and official Walker publications. And now we are facing a future with much epxectation of the Walker Art Center. We love the Walker. It is one of our true national treasures but the new building a staff have much to prove to open itself up to the community. This means opening tiself up to the community of art viewers and appreciators BUT ALSO to its community of artists and creative thinkers. A big grey and white metal and glass building can either be forboding or it can become radiant with activity and new ideas. Its a razors edge like he new building. more

A great museum with a marvelous collection. The building is as much a peice of art as the peices it houses. It's all so beautiful. There are even free nights every once in a while if you are a thrifty art fan. The walker has the ability to showcase any type of art. There is an auditorium for music and plays, even a resturant by Wolfgang Puck. I can't think of another museum that is as complete as the Walker. And right across the street is the sculpture garden which is free, or you can go to the Guthrie Theater in the same day, if you like. more

Boasting one of the best Modern Art Collections anywhere in the world, the Walker has been on the leading edge of Modern Art curatorship for much of the last 50 years. Some highlights of the permanent collection include: Chuck Close self-portraits, George Segal figurative sculpture works, and the entire Cremaster cycle of video work (only one of 5 sets in existence) by Matthew Barney. As for the current Museum structure--while I like the new expansion-I wish they would have done more to integrate the older building into the style of the newer one. And the footbridge that connects Loring Park to the Sculpture Garden has always grated on my nerves with its "Miami Vice" pastel colors-a completely inappropriate way to frame in the Minneapolis skyline. more

I have been here many times since I was a kid and I love it! They have some great exhibits that are sometimes a little outside the mainstream. I also love the little gift shop they have inside. It is fun to browse through the books and unique gifts there. They also have certain days where you can get in for free - I love a bargin! I actually haven't back since the re-opening - so I am excited to see their updated building - I have heard great things about it! One big downside - if you go with a stroller (or anyone who cannot do stairs) be prepared to be frustrated with the number of stairs. The elevators are difficult to find and there are actually different sets of elevators all over the place that only go to certain places - plus they aren't well labeled. This point alone has lowered my rating by 1 star. more

We have been members for the last 7 years. The Walker Art Center is a fabulous place to take guests or visit on occassion yourself. The space is newly renovated and to some it's a mixed bag. Inside it is a fantastic space. The cafeteria/restaurant can be dark and confining unless you are near the cityview window. The outside is a mess. It looks like piece fell off the space station and landed in the neighborhood. It does not integrate with the architecture of the neighborhood or cathedrals righ across the street. But don't let that deter you. When you are inside, it's fine. Also visit the Sculpture Garden right next door. The location of the Mpls icon cherry & spoon. more

The Walker Art Center is a must see in Minneapolis. Go ahead and take the kids, they will love it. From the paintings and sculptures to the unbelievable overlook of downtown Minneapolis, you will not be disappointed. When the kids start to get antsy, take them outside to the sculpture garden. So much fun and such a cheap price. It make it even a better deal, go on the Free Days!!! Fun filled day for everyone in the family! more

The Walker Art Center did an awesome job with its renovations! It is truely a world class museum now. The landscaping and artitecture is seriously amazing. The muesum shop is fun and has a big variety. The artwork is impressive. I think they have free days 1-2 times a month. Great stuff. The Sculpture Garden is right next door. more