Arts and Culture

MPR News has you covered with news and stories about local art and culture happenings across Minnesota.

Art Hounds: Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. You can explore arts events here, or become an Art Hound today.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

Art Reviews: Our arts team offers insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more. We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape. Read more here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Art Friend is a new segment with our arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, and even boring. But, especially with the right context, everyone can be a critic. So let us be your guide- your Art Friend. Listen or read Art Friend stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

From Eiffel Tower to bistro chairs: Paris expos take center stage in new release by Minnesota author
After losing Minneapolis bid for Expo 2027, Charles Pappas took a dispirited walk in Paris that led him to realize how deeply the city’s iconic identity was shaped by its World Expos — an epiphany that inspired his new book, “Nobody Sits Like the French,” a historical exploration of Paris through its expos from 1855 to 1937.
Artist Salad Hilowle shares his Afro-Swedish experience at American Swedish Institute
A theme of Blackness in both Swedish history and art history runs throughout the artist’s first exhibition in the U.S. The show, a collaboration between ASI and The Somali Museum of Minnesota, is on view through Oct. 27.
MN Shortlist, June 20-26: Drag shows, refugee beats, and Sherlock with a twist
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
In ‘Sleep,’ Honor Jones examines the paradox of parenthood
Can childhood trauma, once suffered, be kept from the next generation? That’s one of the many psychological questions at the a heart of Honor Jones’ debut novel, “Sleep,” one of the must-read books of the summer.
‘Labubu’ is a plush toy that is causing a frenzy. Here’s its origin story
Labubus are a global sensation — sparking long lines outside toy stores, selling out online within minutes, and listing for double or triple their original price on resale markets. Here’s why.
Marking Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra
Black American composers are at the heart of the Minnesota Orchestra’s Juneteenth holiday concert tonight. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the concert’s organizer and the guest conductor about how African American music is expanding the classical tradition.
Dealing with traumatic grief after Minnesota’s recent political violence
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Stacy Remke. She’s a clinical social worker, a teaching specialist at the University of Minnesota, and the author of the book, “The Insider’s Guide to Grief.”