Minnesota is second only to New York City in theater seats per capita, so inspiring performances are easy to find. Venues range from community playhouses to three Regional Theater Tony Award winners.

Minnesota supports a vibrant art scene, with many distinctive galleries and museums across the state. Small studios co-exist with large, nationally-acclaimed galleries like the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

While it’s true many Minnesotans have Scandinavian ancestors, the state has become far more diverse over the years. Many cultural events celebrate the various traditions and heritages that make up Minnesota. Activities celebrating everything from lefse to Native American history to Cinco de Mayo reflect a distinctly cosmopolitan culture.

Touring companies complement Minnesota’s strong local troupes to create a dynamic dance scene. Venues like Northrop Auditorium attract national and international acts. And local companies grace their audiences with regular performances.

Minneapolis’ vitality spurred by the performing arts

Minneapolis has become one of America’s preeminent destinations for the performance arts. And why not? The city has more theater seats per capita than any outside New York City. And with 18 Fortune 500 companies based here, corporate support for the arts is significant.

The mix of fine museums, cultural institutions, theaters and fine dining in Minneapolis is emblematic of the richness of this metro area. But the recent surge in the arts, known widely as the "arts explosion," enhances the vitality of an already vital scene.

In the span of two years, the city experienced multi-million dollar investments in the Walker Art Center, Children’s Theater Company, the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, Minneapolis Public Library and the Tyrone Guthrie Theater, with enhancements on the Weisman Museum now in process..
The Walker Art Center

The contemporary Walker doubled its size with expanded gallery space, a library of contemporary art, interactive lounges and a 385-seat theater. Indoor and outdoor terraces offer fabulous views of the downtown skyline plus the 11-acre Sculpture Garden across the street. The welcoming 20.21 Restaurant by Wolfgang Puck also commands panoramic views.
www.walkerart.org

The Children’s Theatre Company
The Tony Award-winning CTC’s renovation and 45,000 square foot expansion accelerates the institution’s reach into the community with new programs for pre-schoolers and teens, and a regular schedule of performances entice locals and visitors.
www.childrenstheatre.org