Somali Museum of Minnesota
The Somali Museum of Minnesota is a museum in Minneapolis that focuses on Somali culture and displays more than 1000 artifacts. The collections include tools, clothing, religious items, woven textiles, paintings, and reconstructed structures such as the nomadic house called aqal Soomaali and the village home called mudul.
Osman Ali collected artifacts and gave talks about Somali culture before the museum was officially established in 2011. The gallery opened on Lake Street in 2013 and now sits in the Jigjiga Business Center, acquired in 2017.
The museum takes its name from the Somali community in Minneapolis, which grew after the civil war in Somalia. Its logo shows a traditional milk vessel called a dhiil, with colors that reflect the clothing worn by nomads, linking the museum to the daily life of the people.
The museum is located in the Chicago Lake Street neighborhood and is part of the Jigjiga Business Center, which it shares with other businesses. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, workshops, weaving classes, and guided tours that can be tailored to different interests and groups.
Founder Osman Ali started collecting artifacts after visiting Somalia and noticing that many young people lacked knowledge of their roots. The museum hosts a dance class every Friday for young adults, where traditional Somali dance moves are practiced.
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