Twin Cities Art Galleries: The 15 Best in Minneapolis & St. Paul | Discover The Cities (2024)

Twin Cities Art Galleries: The 15 Best in Minneapolis & St. Paul | Discover The Cities (1)

In the mood for some art?

Good news!

Minneapolis and St. Paul are both packed with an astounding number of art galleries of all types.

From impressive collections of traditional paintings to fiery glass blowing studios that will make you feel like you stepped onto the set of Netflix’s Blown Away, you’re sure to find your perfect art gallery in the Twin Cities.

And that’s where we come in. For our money, one of our favorite ways to get the creative juices flowing is to spend an afternoon in the galleries.

Today, we’re highlighting our picks for the best art galleries in Minneapolis and St. Paul!

Map of the Twin Cities Best Art Galleries

All My Relations Gallery

“Mitakuye Oyasin” (the Dakota phrase for All My Relations) dedicates its Franklin Avenue space to honoring and strengthening the vitality of contemporary American Indian artists. Founded in 1999, All My Relations Arts has both in-person and virtual exhibits of regional and national artists in the heart of the Minneapolis American Indian Cultural Corridor.

Dow Art Gallery

Located in the historic Dow Art Building on University Avenue in St. Paul, Dow Art Gallery is one of the largest in the Twin Cities. Gallery owner Khanh Tran has curated and framed art since 1996, showcasing new artists monthly in the 3600 square foot space. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dow Art Gallery curated an impressive collection of works by local artists created during the shutdown and social unrest.

Foci – Minnesota Center for Glass Arts

Many Twin Cities locals know and love Foci from their glass blowing demonstrations at the Minnesota State Fair. Not only do their friendly and talented artists and instructors pair well with mini-donuts and pronto pups, but they also maintain one of the finest glass exhibition galleries in the Midwest. Visit the Minneapolis public access studio for courses, shop for a unique gift for a family member, or view their rotating exhibitions.

  • Address: 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
  • Website: Foci Gallery

Gallery 360

With more than 20 years in the community, Gallery 360 has maintained a vibrant spot in the Minneapolis art scene. Located on 50th and Xerxes Avenue in South Minneapolis, this boutique gallery’s slogan is “art in every degree.” They’ve got a bit of everything, including traditional painting, photography, and sculpture, along with a robust collection of locally handcrafted jewelry and accessories. It’s an excellent spot to shop for that friend or family member who is always on the hunt for the one-of-a-kind.

  • Address: 3011 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
  • Website: Gallery 360

Gamut Gallery

When Gamut Gallery moved into their current space four blocks south of US Bank Stadium in the Elliot Park neighborhood, it was a chance to bring more people together. The gallery prides itself on not just being a place to buy art (although you can land some terrific pieces from Twin Cities talent) but also a social hub for performance art, live music, and collaboration. The exhibition space and gift shop’s most popular event of the year—and our personal favorite—is the “Raging Art On” holiday shop, a consumer-conscious alternative to the mall or big-box franchise.

Grand Hand Gallery

Since 2004 Grand Hand Gallery on Dale and Grand Avenues in St. Paul has been a fixture of the neighborhood. Their popular window displays have long showcased art from across the United States, focusing on local Minnesota artists and artists from Northern California. In 2018, the gallery underwent renovations and a management change but still offers some of the best-curated gifts and art in St. Paul.

Groveland Gallery

The art is not the only thing we admire every time we stop at Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis. While we love the rotating exhibitions of contemporary regional and national artists, we also can’t help but admire the gallery space itself. Groveland is located on the first floor of a gorgeous 1890’s Richardsonian Romanesque mansion. The shows change here every six weeks, so plenty of opportunities to drop in for art and architecture.

Katherine E. Nash Gallery

Professor Katherine “Katy” E. Nash was a faculty member of the Department of Art at the University of Minnesota from 1961 to 1976. Her proposals were foundational to the U of M establishing a rotating exhibition gallery at the Regis Center for Art on the West Bank Campus. Exhibits include both student art (a chance to see emerging talent) and rotation collections from national artists.

Kolman & Pryor Gallery

Located in the bustling arts hub of the Northrup King Building in Northeast, Kolman & Pryor Gallery has both the feel of a traditional art gallery and a deeper connection to the community. The namesake relationship between arts patron Anita Sue Kolman and artist-curator Patrick Pryor founded Kolman & Pryor Gallery. Since then, the two have created an exhibition space and community worth coming back to again and again.

Midway Contemporary Art

Every visit to the gallery at Midway Contemporary Art is a chance to find the unexpected. With exhibitions primarily focused on new visual artists that haven’t shown in the Midwest (or often in the entire United States!) they put together cutting edge work you’re not likely to find anywhere else. They host five exhibitions during the year and are essential at promoting emerging and underrepresented artists in the Twin Cities area.

Northern Clay Center

Northern Clay Center continues to be recognized as a premier national and international exhibitor of ceramic arts. It is one of our favorite arts destinations in the Twin Cities. Their gallery features eight to ten different exhibitions per year, including clay work from around the world. Many people first experience Northern Clay Center through one of their workshops, classes, or hands-on exhibits. We love that it’s possible to find both functional pottery and high-end ceramic pieces all in the same place.

Rogue Buddha Gallery

When artist and gallery owner Nicholas Harper opened Rogue Buddha Gallery in Northeast, the goal was simple. Bring world-renowned contemporary art to the Twin Cities and make it approachable for both the beginner and experienced art collector. It’s why the gallery is consistently ranked as one of the top spots to buy art in Minnesota.

Rosalux Gallery

It’s well-known that some of the best art is made together, especially at Rosalux. The northeast Minneapolis artist cooperative is Minnesota’s longest-running collective art gallery. Founded in 2002, Rosalux is currently home to more than 20 contemporary visual Minnesota artists who present new collaborative art around a central theme. The gallery changes consistently and brings out the best in Minnesota local art.

  • Address: 1400 Van Buren St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
  • Website: Rosalux

Soo Visual Arts Center

Soo Visual Arts Center pushes the boundaries on bringing talented new artists to the stage in Minnesota. Since opening its doors in 2001, they’ve brought forth work from over 2000 under-represented and emerging Minnesota talent. They’ve garnished a local reputation for putting together shows that other galleries might not approach but bring incredible value to the community. It’s a must-see spot on your gallery tour list.

Textile Center – A National Center for Fiber Art

Located near the University of Minnesota campus, Textile Center’s mission is to “honor textile traditions, promote excellence and innovation, and inspire widespread participation in fiber arts.” Their gallery features rotating exhibitions and a well-stocked artisan shop along with one of the nation’s largest circulating textile libraries open to the public. In the summer, check out their natural plant dye garden, which wraps around the building.

Twin Cities Art Galleries: The 15 Best in Minneapolis & St. Paul | Discover The Cities (2024)
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