Discovering The Arts Explosion In Minneapolis

Discovering The Arts Explosion In Minneapolis

Summary: The cultural landscape of Minneapolis--already rich in museums and theater--is experiencing an arts explosion.

Discovering The Arts Explosion In Minneapolis

Article Body: The cultural landscape of Minneapolis--already rich in museums and theater--is experiencing an arts explosion. As the only U.S. destination named to Travel + Leisure magazine's list of "up-and-coming places to visit in ," this recent boom places Minneapolis in the company of other high-profile international destinations. Driven by five critically acclaimed international architects, the -month transformation has led to nearly a half-billion dollars in new cultural infrastructure.

The dynamic offerings include:

Walker Art Center-Recognized as the country's foremost contemporary arts center, the expansion doubled the facility and includes impressive new galleries and a -seat theater. The New York Times calls it "one of the country's liveliest and most personable museums." The museum had over , visitors in the first weeks after its reopening.

The Children's Theatre Company--America's flagship theater for young people and families. Time magazine heralded it as the country's best kids troupe. It is the first (and only) Tony Award-winning theater for young people. The recent expansion adds a second stage for programming targeting preschool and teen audiences.

Minneapolis Public Library--A fabulous destination for travelers, the new Central library will house the nation's fourth-largest public library collection. It includes five stories of space for books, fireside reading dens, a cafe, teen center and an expansive children's library.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts--One of the nation's leading encyclopedic art museums, it now has percent more gallery space and a collection of over , objects spanning , years. The museum is one of only a handful in the country to offer free admission.

Guthrie Theater-Symbol of the birth of the not--for-profit resident theater movement, this highly regarded regional theater invites visitors from around the globe to its new three-theater complex. The lobbies and its -foot- long cantilever bridge are open to the public, offering spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

In addition to three Tony Award-winning theaters and the exciting art scene, Minneapolis boasts the nation's largest shopping mall, five professional sports teams, museums, world-class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and many opportunities for recreation within the city limits.