Weisman Art Museum

Frank Gehry's crumpled stainless-steel spaceship on the University of Minnesota's river bluff — a free, compact teaching museum strong on American modernism (the best Marsden Hartley collection anywhere). Half the reason to come is the building itself glinting over the Mississippi. Closed Mondays; you'll see it all in an hour.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Weisman?

The Green Line's East Bank station is about a five-minute walk, or it's a pleasant walk/bike across the Washington Avenue bridge from downtown-adjacent neighborhoods. Campus parking is in the ramp next door.

Was the Weisman affected by renovations in 2026?

The Riverview Gallery closed March 23 to July 1, 2026 for window replacement, but that's wrapped up and the rest of the museum stayed open throughout. Everything should be viewable now.

Is the Weisman worth a special trip?

As a pairing, absolutely: it's free, quick, and the building is unique in the Midwest. If you're already doing the riverfront or campus, it's a no-brainer add-on rather than a standalone pilgrimage.

Who designed the Weisman?

Frank Gehry, opened in 1993 — a few years before his Bilbao Guggenheim made the crumpled-metal look world famous. Architecture buffs treat it as an early masterpiece; the river-facing steel facade is the showpiece.

Where's the best photo of the Weisman building?

From the Washington Avenue pedestrian bridge or East River Parkway below, especially late afternoon when the steel catches the sun. The street-side entrance is brick and deceptively boring — the drama faces the river.

What's in the Weisman's collection?

A focused stash of early American modernism — it holds the world's largest collections of Marsden Hartley and Alfred Maurer — plus ceramics, Korean furniture, and rotating contemporary shows. Small, but sharp.

What are the Weisman's hours?

Closed Mondays; open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11 am to 5 pm weekends. It's compact, so even a late-afternoon arrival gives you enough time.

Is the Weisman Art Museum free?

Yes, completely — it's the University of Minnesota's teaching museum and admission costs nothing. That makes it an easy yes even for a 45-minute visit.

Nearby in Ask Minneapolis

• DinkytownNeighborhood0.82 km · 10 min walk
• Al's BreakfastRestaurant0.84 km · 11 min walk
• Cedar-RiversideNeighborhood0.93 km · 12 min walk
• Riverside ParkPark0.94 km · 12 min walk
• Stone Arch BridgeLandmark1.48 km · 19 min walk