Experience the Wonder of Minneapolis’ Famous Walker Art Center
Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
About Walker Art Center
Located in the heart of downtown, it is hard to think of a more iconic location than the Walker Art Center and accompanying Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I mean, it is home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture after all! Once you have appreciated the stunning skyline views and sculptures, step inside the contemporary art mecca and prepare to be amazed. This museum is not just for adults; it offers a multitude of exhibits, attractions, and events tailored for kids and their families.
New Kids Exhibit
The Walker’s newest exhibit, “Show & Tell,” was designed especially for kids to spark their creativity and imagination. It’s like the team at the Walker KNEW Minnesota parents needed another cool place to go on an adventure with their kids as temperatures start to dip. The exhibit has, of course, a contemporary art for kids, but there is so much more to explore.
There’s a massive puzzle, a reading room, and fun, little nooks to peek through. Kids can also watch short films and create their own art. A very popular stop is their gigantic half-moon-shaped play structure, meant to be climbed on. Another bonus: admission is free every Thursday night and on the first Saturday of every month. The “Show & Tell” exhibit will be open through April 5th.
Skip Along to the Sculpture Garden
No visit to the Walker is complete without a stop at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Home to some of the premier contemporary sculptures in the world, your family will love to explore every corner of the 11-acre grounds.
A trip to the Sculpture Garden combines art and nature, and many of its sculptures are both fun and playful, like a 25-foot-tall, bright-blue rooster. The Walker even published this fun scavenger-hunt guide for kids throughout the Sculpture Garden, specifically designed for winter months. Before your visit, be sure to dress for the weather and remind your little ones that these sculptures are not meant to be climbed on.
Skyline Mini Golf
This is not your average mini golf course! Located on the rooftop of the Walker, Skyline Mini Golf boasts some of the best views of the city, along with some of the most creative mini golf holes you’ve ever seen. Each one of their 10 artist-designed holes is both cute and challenging, like “Putt Pong”, which combines putt-putt and ping pong. There’s even a hole that looks and works just like a real pool table!
Open May through October, be sure to reserve a tee time online to skip the line and secure a timeslot, they sell out often!
Walker Art Center Highlights
- Contemporary art museum located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, featuring the world-famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- First Free Saturdays
- Free Thursday Nights
- Sensory Friendly Sundays
- On-site restaurant and gift shop
- Skyline Mini Golf
Know Before You Go
- Walker Art Center Website
- Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Open Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight
- Visitors 18 and under get in free
- On-site and street parking available
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
