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.

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.

For airports, background music no longer is an afterthought
Background music is no longer an afterthought at many airports. Some are hiring local musicians and carefully curating playlists to help lighten travelers’ moods. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport features live musicians every day, and Nashville International Airport has five stages that host more than 800 performances a year.
The M’s New Wing and exhibition glow after $14M renovation and expansion
At the Minnesota Museum of American Art, newly commissioned Native works and a broad range of historic and contemporary art are displayed together in the expanded New Wing, creating a setting that centers Indigenous perspectives.
MPR newsroom shares a sampling of their favorite reads of the year
While our full list of favorite books won’t be out for another week, a few members of the newsroom shared ones that are making their end of the year list.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Let Us Descend’ by Jesmyn Ward
Amy Loewy of the Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans, La., recommends “Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward
In her new book, journalist Brigid Schulte asks what if work wasn’t such a grind?
In her new book, “Over Work,” journalist Brigid Schulte examines why we work the way we do and how a broken system could be reformed to make work more productive, autonomous and meaningful.
From porchlights to pro displays, here’s your guide to Minnesota holiday lights
Whether you’re a fan of big bulbs, Bing Crosby-esque classics or funky, laser-laden Trans-Siberian Orchestra showstoppers, Minnesota media personality Mike Marcotte has got you covered.
Stanley recalls about 2.6 million travel mugs
The company behind the uber-viral water bottles is recommending customers affected by the recall reach out for a replacement part.
Making cookies this season? You might want a few tips from famed cookie extraordinaire ‘Zoe Bakes’
The holidays are often an excuse to eat more cookies than any other time of year. Many people have family traditions where they gather to make sweet treats. Zoë François may have your next cookie recipe.