Weisman Art Museum

The Weisman Art Museum is an art museum on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis, recognized for its distinctive architecture with shining metal surfaces. The exhibition spaces spread across several levels and display works from different periods and regions.

Founded in 1934 as a teaching collection for art students, the institution developed over decades into a public facility with a growing collection. The move to the new building in 1993 marked the transition to a widely visible cultural site on the riverbank.

The name honors Frederick Weisman, whose financial support enabled the new building and expanded the American art collection. Visitors can walk through galleries where modern works meet traditional crafts from different cultures.

The riverside location makes orientation easy, and the central position on the university grounds makes the museum accessible on foot or by bicycle. On Wednesdays visitors can walk through the rooms until evening, while other days have shorter opening times.

The architect Frank Gehry designed the building so that one side blends harmoniously into the brick landscape of the campus. The other side turns toward the Mississippi with sculptural forms and appears like a completely different structure.

Location: Minneapolis

Inception: 1934

Architects: Frank Gehry

Official opening: 1993

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: University of Minnesota

Address: East River Parkway

Opening Hours: Tuesday,Thursday,Friday 10:00-17:00; Wednesday 10:00-20:00; Saturday,Sunday 11:00-17:00

Phone: +16126259494

Website: http://weisman.umn.edu

GPS coordinates: 44.97278,-93.23806

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:11