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Minneapolis Institute of Arts

By Matt Dahl

Of course it loses something on this flat, lifeless screen.  But the first time you go to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and see her in person, I think you'll have the same reaction as the rest: utter amazement.

And I bet you've never even heard of Raffaelo Monti.

Yes, you will find art here by Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Remington, Rodin, Gaugin, and the other masters.  But it is the lesser known artists at this upper Midwest gem that can impress the most.

So if you've never seen a Picasso in person, be sure to get a look.  But don't even think about going home until you've seen other favorites, like Daniel Ridgway Knight's "Girl by a stream, Flanders" (very vibrant colors) or Gerrit van Honthorst's "The Denial of St. Peter" (you'll swear there's a spotlight on the painting.)

Besides the traditional art (paintings and sculpture), there are some other gems here that will equally delight.  In the Native American galleries, check out beaded clothing characteristic of the type still done today by local Ojibwe artists.

And don't miss out on the period rooms.  There's a Duluth Room with lots of Tiffany glass; a 16th century Tudor Room; a room designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; and my favorite, a Japanese Tea Room.  The smell of the cedar construction fills the room like incense, and the whole garden is laid out in a neat, Zen design.

The museum is closed Mondays, open most days until 5pm, except Thursday when it's open until 8pm.  For complete info check out www.artsmia.org. There you can find out what special exhibitions are coming, you can shop at their gift shop, and you can search 5000 pieces of their 100,000 piece collection online.

BONUS: It's free!