Association of Art Museum Directors’ Annual Art Museum Day

Personally, it has been far too long since I stepped foot inside an art museum. I used to go with my grandmother and we would fall in love with different pieces, lingering for hours on end. For me—and for all of you other busy folks who can’t remember the last time you perused an art museum—this upcoming week is a perfect opportunity to make a return to the wonderful world of art. The Association of Art Museum Directors and the organization’s 180 members across the nation are celebrating the sixth annual Art Museum Day. The festivities are set to take place on and around May 18, but in Minneapolis, we early birds are joining in on the fun on May 15.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts will be celebrating Art Museum Day as well as its 100th birthday by unveiling a new surprise masterpiece on loan from one of Europe’s finest art museums—and you can view it for free. Head to the Walker Art Center for free gallery admission all day, or the Weisman Art Museum for 10 percent off merchandise in the WAM Shop for all visitors. Whether you are attending the Minneapolis Institute of Arts’ unveiling, gazing up at the enormous Spoonbridge and Cherry at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden located adjacent to the Walker, or shopping at the Weisman, take some time this Friday to appreciate the sheer magnificence of our local art scene. And make sure to share your experience online using the hashtag #ArtMuseumDay.