Twin Cities families!
Looking for something to do that’s romantic and family-friendly this Valentine’s weekend? The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has two events worth checking out: the Institute of Ice and the Institute of Hearts. Both are perfect for lots of photo opportunities and both are FREE!
Institute of Ice: Marvel at Frozen Art
On February 6th, Mia’s Target Park became filled with newly made ice sculptures crafted by Minnesota Ice. It’s called the Institute of Ice and it’s COOL! The sculptures are there until they melt (and it’s been cold so they’re still there!).
These frozen masterpieces, some up to 7 feet tall, are inspired by pieces from Mia’s collection and the upcoming “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” exhibition.
Probably the most popular one is the veiled lady but there are many interesting ones here including the lobster phone.
The sculptures will remain on display during museum hours until they melt, so be sure to bundle up when you visit so you can see it.
I walked through and it’s not a huge area to walk and it’s wheelchair-friendly. But it can be icy and cold!
Institute of Hearts: Share the Love
From February 11th through 16th, Mia will be filled with hearts! When you arrive, grab a free paper heart from the visitor experience desk in the lobby. As you explore the galleries, place your heart by the artwork that you love the most. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to connect with art and each other. No tickets are required, and admission is free.
The Museum is a Gem
Be sure to spend some time exploring the museum. I’ve been here a few times and it’s so big I never got through it all. They also have a cool Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program to explore.
Plan Your Visit
If you want to experience these two events, Mia is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with extended hours until 9:00 pm on Thursday.
And admission is always FREE, making it a frugal-friendly outing for the whole family.
Weather Watch
It’s a typical Minnesota February, so dress warmly! Expect cold temperatures with a mix of sun and clouds over the weekend. Remember to layer up to stay comfortable, especially when viewing the outdoor ice sculptures.
Capture the Moment
The Minneapolis Institute of Art wants visitors to snap photos of your favorite artworks and ice sculptures. Share your experiences on social media by tagging @artsmia and using the hashtags #MiaHearts and #MiaIce. It’s a great way to spread the love and inspire others to join in the fun.
So, gather the family, embrace the winter chill, and head to Mia for a weekend filled with art, love, and icy wonders!
Also check out my Reel here:
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More Family Fun
The Minneapolis Institute of Art also has many family events including Family Day on the second Sunday of the month.
Read more about the Minneapolis Institute of Art here.
Children’s Theatre Company
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is right next to the Children’s Theatre Company, so be sure to see a show there this weekend too! There are two shows playing: “Milo Imagines the World” and “Leonardo: A Wonderful Show about a Terrible Monster.”