In 2015 the Walker Art Center—dubbed “possibly the best contemporary art museum in the U.S.” by Newsweek—will celebrate its 75th anniversary. But because it’s such a momentous landmark, the museum is starting the party early. The kickoff is this weekend, when, as a part of what is being calling Walktoberfest, you’ll be able to catch a first look at the opening of the new, celebratory exhibit, and partake in other activities—all for free and with extended hours. Here’s what the museum has lined up:
Art at the Center: 75 Years of Walker Collections: Curated by the Walker’s Executive Director Olga Viso and guest curator Joan Rothfuss, this exhibit will feature iconic works like Edward Hopper’s Office at Night, Franz Marc’s The Large Blue Horses, Chuck Close’s Big Self Portrait and Yves Klein’s Mondo Cane Shroud. The exhibit opens Thursday, but is so important it will be on display through September 2016.
Beer garden (all weekend): Set up in Open Field; enjoy local craft (and root) beer or a signature cocktail, as well as sausages from Butcher and the Boar and live music from local artists.
Selfie station (all weekend): Take the Walker’s history into your own hands and snap time-traveling photos using settings and props.
Walker cinema (daily): There will be a showcase of three films, including Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, The American Dreamer, about and starring Dennis Hopper, and William Klein’s Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? On Saturday, short films by local filmmakers will be shown.
Hotline (Oct. 16, 6-10 p.m.): Got a question about the art in the museum? Pick up the phone and you’ll be put directly through to someone who can answer all of your inquiries.
Family activities (Oct. 17-19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.): Artist-led projects, including ones inspired by the Walker’s collections.
Relay tour (Oct. 19, 1 p.m.): Let Viso and special guests lead you on a 75-minute marathon tour of the Art at the Center: 75 Years of Walker Collections and Art Expanded, 1958-1978 exhibits.
Walker People’s Archive (Oct. 16, 7-9 p.m.): Do you have a memory at the Walker? Add yours to the archive and then have your picture taken and head into the galleries for a Walker People’s Archive-inspired scavenger hunt.
Walktoberfest
Oct. 16-19
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
