Walker Art Center Tours

Walker Art Center which includes art
Walker Art Center featuring a garden and autumn leaves as well as an individual male
Walker Art Center
Walker Art Center
Walker Art Center as well as a small group of people


View famous and eccentric contemporary visual art and sculptures at the home of theSpoonbridge and Cherry, a Minneapolis icon.

Visit Walker Art Center to see work by Warhol, Picasso, Moore and many other world-renowned artists, alongside many lesser known but equally intriguing works of art. Outside you may recognize the spoon bridge with cherry-shaped fountain that appears in so many travel brochures about the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This eye-catching structure is part of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on the same grounds.The Walker Art Center came from humble beginnings in 1927 when a local lumber baron opened a room of his house to the public to show his favorite paintings. His name was Thomas Walker. From the 1940s the focus of the museum shifted to modern visual art.More than 600,000 people per year visit the 17-acre (seven-hectare) complex, with parks, art center and sculpture garden. After browsing the famous paintings, enjoy some more unusual works at the museum’s special selection of fringe art. See draft versions of finished artworks at the Visual Arts Study Collection.Moving-image art, which is an art form that includes film, digital animations and new media, is strongly represented as well. The Ruben/Bentson Film and Video Study Collection maintains nearly 900 productions, from the old silent films to post-World War II American experimental films, among others. Full film screenings are common during the day, or come back at night to watch performance art in dance, theater and music.The Walker Art Center is near downtown Minneapolis. The center is open daily and Thursday nights, but is closed Mondays. Gallery admission is free for children under 18 and on the first Saturday of each month for everyone. This is when activities are organized, including art classes and films aimed at younger children and their parents. Download a free audio guide to your cell phone, or join a free gallery or sculpture garden tour on the weekends.

Plan a trip to see Walker Art Center

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Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
Crowne Plaza Suites MSP Airport - Mall of America by IHG
Nicollet Island Inn

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Reviews of Walker Art Center

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
105
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
42
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

didn't go there

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Makes me very wary of the future of art in America. No one wants to paint pretty pictures anymore. Artists only want to make a statement. To me that's not art that's politics.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Visiting the Walker Art Center was something we looked very forward to doing when we planned our trip to Minneapolis. But after walking there in 90 degree heat, we found it closed for a special private event ("Rock the Garden"). So incredibly disappointing!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Walker Art Center

Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
1020 HAWTHORNE AVE, Minneapolis, MN
Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown

Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
425 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown

3.5 out of 5
1101 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Minneapolis Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Minneapolis Downtown

2.5 out of 5
1028 Hawthorne Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

4.5 out of 5
35 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

4 out of 5
1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Hilton Minneapolis

Hilton Minneapolis

4 out of 5
1001 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Hilton Minneapolis
Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center

Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center

3.5 out of 5
1313 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN
Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
710 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN
The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Walker Art Center

At the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, art lovers can immerse themselves in contemporary art exhibitions, enjoy engaging performances at the nearby theaters, and explore vibrant entertainment options. This cultural hub not only showcases incredible works of art but also serves as a fantastic starting point for experiencing the city's rich artistic scene. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the diverse activities available in this creative community.

Shopping

Nicollet Mall, located 0.9 miles from Walker Art Center, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly options. Just 0.6 miles away, 1221 Nicollette Mall Shopping Center also features similar attractions. If you're up for a drive, Byerly's, 4 miles away, is worth a visit for unique finds.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at U.S. Bank Stadium, just 2 miles away, where you can catch a thrilling game. Enjoy live music at Fillmore Theater, only 1 mile from the Walker. For relaxation, visit Theodore Wirth Park, 2 miles away, offering serene trails and spacious green areas for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Explore the River Road Trail, a scenic hiking trail 1 mile from Walker Art Center, perfect for outdoor adventures. Additionally, the Midtown Greenway, also 1 mile away, offers another excellent hiking experience. For a thrilling ride, check out the Sky Glider, located 6 miles from the center.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Walker Art Center is vibrant and inviting. Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre, just 0.8 miles away, or enjoy a performance at the State Theatre, 0.9 miles away. For a unique experience, visit the Guthrie Theater, located 2 miles from the art center.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Walker Art Center

During your visit to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, you can explore a variety of attractions, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art and nearby urban parks and lakes. These points of interest provide cultural experiences and outdoor activities perfect for families. You can also find convenient hotels near the Minneapolis Institute, making it easy to enjoy your time around the Walker Art Center.

  • Minneapolis Convention Center: Located 0.7 miles from the Walker Art Center, this venue is a hub for business events and conferences. Its modern architecture and spacious facilities create a professional atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for networking and attending various events.
  • Target Center: About 1 mile away, the Target Center is an entertainment arena that hosts major sports events and concerts. With its vibrant family-friendly environment, it's a perfect place to catch a thrilling game or enjoy a live performance.
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Situated 5 miles from the Walker Art Center, this modern university boasts a dynamic city vibe. Explore its beautiful campus, attend lectures, or enjoy cultural events that enrich the local community.

Best time to go to Walker Art Center

The best time to visit Walker Art Center can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Walker Art Center falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Walker Art Center falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January15.1°F (-9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February17.1°F (-8.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November35.4°F (1.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December22.1°F (-5.5°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Walker Art Center

To save money on your trip to Walker Art Center, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March or December to January, avoiding the pricier summer season. Look for accommodations on Mondays for lower rates, and book through Expedia to find deals and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Take advantage of free activities in the area and use public transportation, which is often budget-friendly, to explore Minneapolis economically.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Walker Art Center are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Walker Art Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Walker Art Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Walker Art Center with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia