Your Guide to Rochester, MN’s Art Galleries

For the art enthusiast – here’s a look at some of the galleries around Rochester, MN.

Rochester, Minnesota is home to a special artist community. During your stay at Broadway Plaza, visiting the galleries will help you learn about the artistic identity of the city and Southeastern Minnesota.

To help you see our community through the eyes of local artists, we’ve compiled a list of art galleries and museums where you can view work that represents the culture of our community. Below you’ll find those locations organized alphabetically.

Art 4 Trails

This is neither a gallery nor a museum, but it is a public art trail that you can walk right here in downtown Rochester. Much of the art along the trail is located just steps from Broadway Plaza, at locations in downtown area and Soldiers Field Golf Course.

In total, there are 18 works of public art along Rochester’s 85 miles of paved bike trails. This year, three of the temporary installations include “Dynamic Landscape” by Hanyin Ma, “Dispersal” by Malini Basu and Tobias Gilber, and “Great Blue Heron” by Tim Adams.

Check out the other works of art and see their location on the Art 4 Trails website.

Art Heads Emporium

Art Heads Emporium offers a lot more than just a gallery. While shopping can take place on Saturdays and Sundays, the space is host to a multitude of classes and events. Try your hand at painting, print making and even creating stained glass window clings among many other crafts.

Check out their website for more information about classes and other events.

Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden

If you’ve taken a stroll through Peace Plaza, then you’ve seen the work of Charles E. Gagnon. Gagnon created the Peace Fountain in the plaza. The bronze sculpture was dedicated to world peace in 1989 and includes doves to represent the 50 states; seven continents; as well as the past, present and future.

Tours of the sculpture garden and museum must be booked in advance. They take place Wednesday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as well as on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20.

The sculpture garden tours only take place from April 15 through October 15.

For more information about the museum and to book tickets, visit the Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden website.

 

Gallery 24

Gallery 24 in a Minnesota-based artist collaborative that aims to provide a space for local artists to learn and grow. In addition to the gallery, the nonprofit hosts a variety of events, including the annual Holidays with HeART in November.

For more information about the gallery, visit the Gallery 24 website.

James Krom Natural Images Art Museum Gallery

When walking through the Rochester skyway system, you are like to see one of the James Krom Natural Images Art Museum Gallery locations. At these locations, patrons can view photography, wood sculptures, bronze sculptures, art glass and more.

Visit the James Krom Natural Images Art Museum Gallery website for more information.

Rochester Art Center

The Rochester Art Center offers exhibitions and programs focused on innovative experience with contemporary art. Current exhibitions include “Celebrations in Fiber”, “Moudhi Alhajri: Qatari Heritage”, and “Cyclone: Artists Responses to 100 Years of the History Center of Olmsted County Collection.”

For more information about the Art Center and to get your ticket, visit the Rochester Art Center website.

Threshold Arts

Shop from a large collection of locally made art at Threshold Arts, located in downtown Rochester’s historic district. The store features work from more than 50 artists. Threshold Arts also focuses on bringing performances and events to the community.

For more information about the store and upcoming events, check out the Threshold Arts website.

Willow Gentile Studio & Gallery

If you love the artwork in our skyway and are interested in exploring one of the small-town gems outside of Rochester, Willow Gentile Studio & Gallery is perfect. Located in picturesque Lake City, this studio and antique shop is ideal for someone looking for a day trip from Rochester. Check out her curated antique shop and her beautiful artwork.

Artist Willow Gentile, the owner of Willow Gentile Studio & Gallery, created the two floor-to-ceiling murals in Broadway Plaza’s skyway. We are so grateful for her contribution to welcoming our guests and the community.

For more information about visiting her studio and gallery, head to the Willow Gentile Studio & Gallery website.