The Art Scene
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is “one of the nation’s
great fine arts museums” (Los Angeles Times) and the
Walker Art Center, also in Minneapolis, is the “leading
American venue for cutting-edge artists” (Newsweek).
Both have undergone major expansions by renowned
architects. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden across from
the Walker is another favorite. There are several other
good, but smaller art museums in the Twin Cities area,
as well. Art festivals and galleries around the state feature
an array of fine art and handcrafts by regional artists.
Great Theater
The Twin Cities area is known nationally for the
number and quality of its theater companies. The
Guthrie Theater and Children’s Theatre Company have
both won Tony Awards. Touring Broadway productions
play at the Ordway Center in St. Paul and the Historic
Orpheum and State Theatres in Minneapolis. And the
Chanhassen has been called “the Cadillac of dinner
theaters” (Gourmet magazine). Beyond the Twin Cities
are the excellent Commonweal Theatre Company in
Lanesboro, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse in Bemidji, the
Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, and several
other good local theaters.
Music and Nightlife
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, you’ll find a wide
choice of jazz, rock, and dance clubs, plus several comedy
clubs. Northrop Auditorium features concerts by jazz
greats, as well as performances by the world’s best dance
companies. Minnesota hosts some major music festivals,
including the Bayfront Blues Fest in Duluth and top
country stars at the WE Fest near Detroit Lakes. Casinos
around the state feature concerts by big-name entertainers,
as well as gaming. For a classic sound, there are the
renowned Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber
Orchestra and the Minnesota Opera.
For Sports Fans
The Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves,
Lynx and Wild draw far-flung fans to town, as do the
U of M Gopher teams. The Northern League St. Paul
Saints also have an avid following.
