The History of The M
The M is one of the oldest visual arts organizations in Minnesota! It was founded in 1894 as the St. Paul School of Fine Arts, and was formally incorporated in 1927. That is when it began collecting works of art for instructional purposes.
In the 1940s, the Museum expanded its collecting focus beyond instructional works and began assembling a more esteemed collection of paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and crafts. In the 1950s, the name changed to the Saint Paul Art Center, and it began a robust program of exhibitions—including biennials of drawings, craft, and contemporary art.
Renamed the Minnesota Museum of Art in 1969, it became a leading presence on the Twin Cities art scene through educational programs and nationally regarded exhibitions. In 1992, the Museum added “American” to its name to reflect its increasing focus on national and regional art and the changing nature of the American experience as seen through the visual arts.
As you can see, the M has had many identities throughout the years! Many physical homes, too. The Museum has existed in a variety of St. Paul locations throughout its history, including the Jemne Building, Landmark Center, West Publishing Company on Kellogg Boulevard, and now the historic Pioneer Endicott building. Can you find them all on a map!?
Today, the M is a one-of-its-kind museum dedicated to community partnerships and a co-curation model. The M also holds more than 5,000 artworks that showcase the unique voice of American artists with a new focus on living Minnesotan artists. Collection policies are guided by the belief that art should reflect the constantly shifting landscape that defines the American experience.
As our innovative programming and connections with new audiences grow, we at the M look forward to continuing to make a home in the cultural vitality of St. Paul, a capital city booming with entertainment, restaurants, and music.
With an unparalleled commitment to local artists, we will constantly strive to celebrate the talent that is immediately available to us in our local community. Above all, the M will contribute to what makes a community healthy and strong: accessibility, openness, and connectivity.
The Places the Museum Has Lived
1894-1895 – Metropolitan Hotel
1895-1904 – Moore Building at Seven Corners
1904-1909 – St. Paul Auditorium, Fourth Street
1924-1926 – Court Block
1926-1928 – 107 East Third Street
1928-1932 – 23 East Sixth Street
1932-1939 – Haynes Photography, 341 Selby Avenue
1939-1964 – 476 Summit Avenue
1964-1969 – Arts & Sciences Center, 30 East Tenth Street
1969-1992 – Jemne Building
1992-2004 – Landmark Center
2004-2009 – Ramsey County Government Center
2013-Present – Historic Pioneer Endicott
Minnesota Museum of American Art
350 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101
Located in the Historic Pioneer Endicott
Office: 651.797.2571
The M thrives because of people like you! Your contribution will support dynamic and engaged partnerships and programs related to St. Paul, Minnesota, and shared experiences across difference in the region.