The arts provide a sense of hope to Minnesotans, especially in unpredictable times. Our museums, galleries, and stages have found new ways to reach audiences and elevate local voices, artists, and performers.

Minnesota Orchestra

Photo by Travis Anderson

Who We Are

The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, founded in 1903 and led since its centennial by music director Osmo Vänskä, performs a wide variety of music at nearly 175 concerts in a typical year, primarily at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. The ensemble has earned numerous awards and accolades for its discography which ranges from Beethoven to singer-rapper Dessa, with the Star Tribune stating that its most recent Mahler recording “may well be the best-sounding Seventh [Symphony] on record” and The Times (London) describing it as “revealing beauty, clarity, and elegant finesse.” The Orchestra has also been hailed by The New York Times for its place “at the cultural vanguard” due to its groundbreaking international tours.

Photo by Travis Anderson

Plans For Safe Re-Opening

The Orchestra is proceeding with great care in resuming live concerts at Orchestra Hall, adhering to all the current health guidelines and introducing numerous protocols to prioritize the health and safety of audiences, musicians, and staff. These broad new safety measures, which include requirements for masks, physical distancing, and frequent sanitizing, will be part of concertgoing—but will not diminish the transforming power of the music itself. For up-to-date information on the 2020-21 season, which runs through June 2021 and is followed in July by a Summer at Orchestra Hall festival titled “The Beethoven Influence,” visit minnesotaorchestra.org.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Photo courtesy MMAM

Who We Are

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) is home to some of the most significant and inspiring artworks in the Midwest. MMAM’s collections explore the ongoing human relationship with water, featuring artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe. MMAM’s programming and community engagement aims to connect people of all ages to great art inspired by water.

2020 Fall Exhibition Highlights

Each year, MMAM puts on display eight to 10 rotating exhibits, and this fall, the selection includes work by artists Christian Vizl and Greg DeGrace. Dive into the world’s oceans with award-winning Mexican photographer Christian Vizl through his captivating black and white images in the exhibition Christian Vizl: Silent Kingdom, on view Sept. 11–Jan. 3.
Greg DeGrace: Driftless will be on view Oct. 2–Jan. 10, and features abstract paintings referencing the Driftless Region of Minnesota and Wisconsin. All visitors are treated to MMAM’s permanent collection—one of the finest collections of historic American and European artwork in the region.

MMAM is open Tuesday through Sunday, and general admission costs $9 for adults, $3 for students, and is free for children ages 4 and under. All students get in for free every Tuesday. For more information on the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and to see its COVID-19 policies and procedures, visit mmam.org.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Photo by Paul Crosby

Who We Are

Recognized as one of the leading not-for-profit performing arts centers in the U.S., the Ordway is home to a wide variety of performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, music, dance, and vocal artists. The Ordway serves over 60,000 children annually through education programming and presents the Flint Hills Family Festival.

2020-2021 Season Highlights

The unique signature of Broadway at the Ordway combines touring Broadway shows with productions lovingly created in-house, called Ordway Originals. The Ordway’s 2020-2021 season features beloved classics like Rent, along with new musicals like An Officer and a Gentleman. Join the Ordway for one of its most joyous seasons yet! Visit ordway.org for more information about the upcoming performances.