This summer, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona, Minnesota, is celebrating 20 years of presenting great art inspired by water. On the banks of the Mississippi River, this mission-driven museum boasts six galleries, a destination shop, an event space, and the Waterbar Cafe + Provisions, which features craft cocktails and locally inspired culinary delights, all on its 7-acre riverside campus.
MMAM is at the forefront of expanding the definition of what marine art is and can be. From historic works of art to contemporary exhibitions, this museum takes a close look at all of the ways that artists are exploring their relationship to water.
On view through February 2027, “The Coast and the Sea: Marine and Maritime Art in America,” on loan from The New York Historical, includes paintings from between 1750 and 1904 by many of America’s most prominent marine and portrait artists, including Thomas Buttersworth, Jasper Francis Cropsey, John Frederick Kensett, Edward Moran, Rembrandt Peale, Howard Pyle, and Francis Augustus Silva.
Make sure to also see contemporary work this summer at MMAM, including “Gidibaajimomin / We Tell Stories.” On view through August 30, this exhibition features paintings by Gordon Coons in the Woodlands style. MMAM’s literary arts gallery looks at how authors and illustrators use water as inspiration. On view through July 26, “Splish, Splash, Story: Selections from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art” explores the work of Eric Carle and other illustrators and their relationship to water. Included in this exhibition is artwork from Carle’s book “10 Little Rubber Ducks” along with a rubber duck that inspired the story.
More than exhibitions, MMAM also offers a wide array of programming, events, workshops, and different ways to engage with the museum and the grounds. Studio arts workshops offer participants a unique opportunity to take a deeper dive into an art form. Look for MMAM exhibiting artist-led workshops this fall, including from Andy DuCett and Sonja Peterson. MMAM also hosts a number of programs for all ages, including Toddler Tuesday and everyone’s favorite $1 admission day at MMAM: Seasonal Saturdays.
As MMAM looks forward towards a bright future, the museum will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on July 24-26, 2026. Inspired by the “10 Little Rubber Ducks” in the Eric Carle exhibition, MMAM will host the World’s Largest Rubber Duck on the museum grounds for the weekend, along with a giant anniversary party with throwback $6 admission, family-friendly activities, food and beverages for purchase, and a happy hour with live music on the riverwalk on Saturday, July 25. The over-6-story-tall duck will be on the MMAM grounds for all to enjoy for the entire weekend, so make a weekend of it and plan your trip to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Check out Visit Winona to plan your entire weekend in Winona, Minnesota.
