From the MMAA Executive Director

The Minnesota Museum of American Art has been through some challenging times in the past year, but we are alive and well and, like a phoenix, ready to rise once again!  Like so many non-profits, MMAA has been hard hit by the economic downturn.  When redevelopment forced us to vacate our home on Kellogg Boulevard last winter, the museum’s board of trustees decided to temporarily close our operations and reorganize.  Throughout this process, the museum’s outstanding collection of American art has been safely stored in a climate-controlled facility near St. Paul, so it has always been, and always will be, well cared for.

I was hired as Museum Director in June 2009 to begin the work of reestablishing MMAA as an important cultural presence and resource. As an art historian and a curator, I have as my primary concern the joy of bringing art alive for you.  MMAA has a history of providing high quality exhibitions and fun, educational experiences, and it is our goal to present even more exciting and creative art events for you and your families.

MMAA has convened a committee of board members, architects, volunteers, and civic planners, all actively searching for a new home in St. Paul, a permanent site from which MMAA can function and thrive into the future.  Please visit this Web site often for more specifics as they develop. You’re part of the journey and we want to share our success with you.

In the meantime, MMAA intends to get its fabulous art collection back into the public eye. That’s why we’re making plans now to present shows in many new, exciting venues across the metro and the region. We’re taking our show on the road, opening soon in a venue near you!

We hope you agree that MMAA is a vital cultural and civic resource that deserves to thrive in this new era.  Click the links on this page to read more about our new mission, upcoming and past shows, collection highlights, current supporters, partners, and more.  MMAA is back in business and ready to grow, evolve, and excel for you and for everyone in the Midwest.

My best,

Kristin Makholm, Ph.D.
Executive Director