Minneapolis is the center of a prevalent arts community as compared to other midsized American cities. Often merged with its neighbor, St. Paul, it houses at least a dozen large museums devoted to the arts and sciences, as well as an array of small galleries and specialty museums. The city features four large dance companies that range from ballet to folk. Its filmmaking and music history is highly prominent with a variety of artists. Minneapolis also supports the second-largest theater industry in the United States next to New York City itself.
Galleries and the Art District in Minneapolis
Among the prominent arts community are a number of nationally-known galleries that feature famous works from a wide range of artists. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the most elaborate, featuring works ranging from the Renaissance to modern times. The Walker Art Center specializes in modern art and features permanent exhibits from such artists as Andy Warhol and Yoko Ono. It also supports the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, an outdoor exhibit of large modern sculpture and a conservatory. The Weisman Art Museum, located on the University of Minnesota campus focuses on modernism, ceramics and Asian culture.
Festivals around Northeast Minneapolis and other arts district parts the city also support the artistic community on a more local level. Two major city-wide arts events occur annually: Art-a-Whirl in May and the Art Attack in November. Also, in August, three different locations host an city-wide outdoor festival allowing artists to present and sell their wares. These are held in Uptown, Loring Park and Powderhorn Park and receive tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Music Industry in Minneapolis
The music industry in Minneapolis is highly diverse. Major venues such as the Metropolitan Opera and Orchestra Hall specialize in classical and operatic musics. Jazz is represented at the Dakota and a number of smaller venues. Also, theaters such as the Northrop Auditorium, Orpheum Theatre and the State Theatre bring major national and international acts to the city.
The local music scene went national in the 1960s with Minnesota-native Bob Dylan's success in the Dinkytown area helped put the Twin Cities on the map. It continued into the 1980s with the success of Prince at the famous nightclub First Avenue, easily spotted seen in the film Purple Rain. Rock music gained major success as well with MN groups like The Time, The Replacements, Husker Du, Soul Asylum and Tapes 'n Tapes. Hip-hop is also represented by the rap group Atmosphere and the Rhymesayers Entertainment music label.
Theater in Minneapolis
Major live theaters in the city include the Pantages, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, the Brave New Workshop, the Children's Theatre Company, the Jungle and Mixed Blood. The most prominent theater is the Guthrie Theater, located overlooking the Mississippi riverfront and featuring three stages to seat a total of two thousand people. With its restaurant and wonderful deals, it is one of the most romantic sites in Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Places to Visit in Minneapolis
Jason Chavis - Jason lives and works out of Minneapolis. He is the author of four books, two movies and a play as well as numerous articles for a variety ...
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