Explore the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is rich with cultures from around the world. During our visit to the city, we explored the Somali, Swedish and Vikings (NFL team) culture. We also got a taste of the Russian culture expressed through art. Just a short ride from downtown Minneapolis is the Museum of Russian Art. It’s one of the places I recommend exploring.
A few months before our visit, Russia’s president invaded Ukraine, despite global pressure to back off. As such, lots of people were boycotting Russian businesses. We didn’t see the political climate as a reason to avoid the museum, and we are glad we stopped there. When we arrived at the building, we noticed the large Ukrainian flag hanging on the wall near the entrance. Their show of support for the people of Ukraine was well placed, and I hope the invasion and war ends sooner rather than later.
If you are in Minneapolis and are looking for a great art museum to explore, here’s a rundown on what you’ll find at the Museum of Russian Art.
Tickets and Directions to the Museum of Russian Art
Tickets are only available at the front desk of the Museum of Russian Art. You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (ages 65+) and $5 for students and active military. Children 13 and under are free.
The Museum of Russian Art is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekends are a little different. On Saturday is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. I recommend arriving at least one hour before it closes (if not more). That’s enough time to look at all the art and not feel rushed.
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If you drove your own vehicle, you can easily drive to the Museum of Russian Art. It’s about five miles south of downtown Minneapolis. The museum is located on the corner of I-35W and Diamond Lake Road. Parking is located just across the street in the Mayflower Church parking lot. You’re also welcome to park on the street in designated (and safe) areas.
Explore the Exhibits on the First Floor
I’ll begin this section by noting that the exhibits in the museum rotate through. So what my son and I saw in the museum during are visit isn’t necessarily what will be on display for you when you visit. They have a permanent collection that is so vast, the museum can’t house it in the museum year-round. So those pieces will rotate through the museum on an annual basis.
During our visit, we entered the first floor exhibit area, which was just opposite the desk where you buy your tickets. As you can see from the photo above, there are some art pieces on stands or displayed in the middle of the room. There are also nooks where various art pieces are displayed. Not all of the art are paintings. Some are sculptures or modern pieces of art. In fact, one piece in the large main room was something made of LEGOS.
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Off of the main hall are some separate exhibit rooms. Those are worth checking out. One interesting area was in the far end of the main room. While there were paintings on the wall, there were also some interesting machines on the floor making art. Some cameras were positioned in the room and a machine was using a pencil to sketch the room. I guess if you stood in front of the camera still, and for a while, you may end up in the sketch it was making.
After touring the first floor, make your way back to the information desk and up the stairs to explore the second floor.
Venture Upstairs for Additional Exhibits of Russian Art
Our favorite exhibit of the entire museum was on the second floor. It was current and timely… and definitely made a powerful and emotional statement. The Say No to War exhibition of political cartoons by Ukrainian and oppositional Russian artists highlighted elements of the war in Ukraine. As you can see from the photo above of one of the exhibits – they’re powerful. There are others that were comical in nature, but I think this one sums up the terror and horror of Russia’s actions.
The Museum of Russian Art has launched a second round to this exhibit, so the ones on display today are different than the ones we saw during our visit.
The second floor houses other rotating exhibits. During our visit, there were some historic photos on display from factory workers of the 1900s in Russia, if I remember correctly. There were some rooms off of the main open area, so be sure to step into those to take a look at the variety and style of Russian art on display.
After visiting the top floor, return to the stairs and head to the basement for the final grouping of collected Russian art on display.
Wander the Art on Display in the Basement
The art on display in the basement level is more of what I was thinking would be on display at the museum. The walls are lined with paintings of Russian landscapes, historical moments and people of Russia, along with still life and portraits from Russian artists. It’s more of the classic art area, as opposed to the more modern art found on the main floor.
As you’ll note from the photo above, there are some sculptures on display as well. It’s definitely an area of the museum that I hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the art and see the magnificent talents of the Russian people.
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When you’ve finished touring the basement, make your way up to the main floor. Then prepare for your next adventure in Minneapolis.
The Details
Address: 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
How long to spend: About an hour
Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), $5 for students and active military, and children 13 and under are free.
Hours: Open Monday – Friday, 10-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on major holidays, including July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day and Labor Day
Website: https://tmora.org/
Phone: (612) 821-9045
DISCLOSURE: I received two complimentary admission tickets to The Museum of Russian Art, in partnership with Meet Minneapolis, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
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