About Walker Art Center
Together with the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — home of the Spoonbridge and Cherry — the Walker is one of the most-visited modern art museums in America.
Founded in 1879, Walker Art Center has been welcoming visitors for over 147 years. Today it draws approximately 700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in Minneapolis, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 5,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Walker Art Center ranks #177
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #177 in our composite ranking, Walker Art Center represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Walker Art Center is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Spoonbridge and Cherry (Oldenburg)
- ◆Herzog & de Meuron expansion
- ◆Performing Arts programme
Recognition & awards
Walker Art Center has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 11:00–17:00 (Thu until 21:00). Closed Mon–Tue.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Walker Art Center is located in Minneapolis, United States at coordinates 44.9685°N, -93.2884°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Walker Art Center
Walker Art Center was established in 1879, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Minneapolis. With 700,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Americas region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like Walker Art Center, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #12Tate ModernLondon, United Kingdom
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Walker Art Center?
Wed–Sun 11:00–17:00 (Thu until 21:00). Closed Mon–Tue. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Walker Art Center?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Walker Art Center located?
Walker Art Center is located in Minneapolis, United States. The exact coordinates are 44.9685°, -93.2884°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Walker Art Center known for?
Contemporary art with a free sculpture garden. Key highlights include Spoonbridge and Cherry (Oldenburg), Herzog & de Meuron expansion, Performing Arts programme. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 5,500 reviews.
How many people visit Walker Art Center each year?
Walker Art Center receives approximately 700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Walker Art Center founded?
Walker Art Center was founded in 1879, making it 147 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
