architecture & history

Since its origin in 1934, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum has been a teaching museum for the University of Minnesota. Today, education remains central to the museum’s mission to make the arts accessible – intellectually, emotionally, and physically – to the University and public communities.

Major milestones in the museum’s history include significant contributions from Frederick R. Weisman and Frank O. Gehry. Frederick R. Weisman, a Minneapolis native, entrepreneur, and noted philanthropist, provided generous financial gifts and other support to the museum. Internationally acclaimed architect Frank O. Gehry designed the museum’s glimmering residence along the Mississippi River. Home to the museum since 1993, this important architectural achievement has become a landmark for the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Commentary
“Like a Duchamp painting made real, the design…exudes energy and dynamism as it descends the bluffs of the Minneapolis campus overlooking the Mississippi River. The museum’s undulating forms forcefully mark the symbolic crossroads of the University’s main urban campus.”
Progressive Architecture, January 1992

“The building is a wild jumble of angular shapes, covered in shimmering brushed stainless steel – sure to brighten up those long, gray northern winters.”
Newsweek, September 20, 1993

“…a fabulous place to encounter art. From the moment you enter the Weisman Art Museum lobby, to be greeted by the smiling face of a 16-foot tall Roy Lichtenstein, you get the idea that your visit will not only be worthwhile, but probably even fun.”
The Star Tribune, November 21, 1993

“A new stainless-steel art museum has five of the most gorgeous galleries on earth.”
“The genius of this place is the idea that a university art museum shouldn’t be designed to keep the lid on everything art stands for. It should do everything it can to turn the contents loose.”
The New York Times, December 12, 1993

“The Weisman is destined to become the Twin Cities’ most recognizable building.”
 “…wry humor and dynamic looseness permeate this project – but never at the cost of function.”
The Oregonian, January 1, 1994

“…the exterior can be seen as a tough, gleefully manic (that is, American) work of Cubist, sculpture or as a giant brushed-stainless-steel popcorn kernel, or as a wizard’s castle in some 23rd century fairy tale. Inside, where huge skylights bathe the galleries in the sunlight, the feeling is serene but never static.”
Time, January 3, 1994

“Of the new showcases for art that opened in time for the New Year, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum at the University is an eye-catcher.”
USA Today, January 12, 1994

“…Gehry has designed an interior space of breathtaking simplicity that is simultaneously serene and animated, a delightful background to the University’s collection.”
Architecture Minnesota, January/February 1994

Copyright © 2004 The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota.

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Original site design and development by Yamamoto Moss, Minneapolis, MN.