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.

4 Minnesota high schoolers to march in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena
The students from Apple Valley, Rosemount and Marshall will perform Thursday with the Bands of America Rose Parade Honor Band. The band is made up of 236 high school performers from 34 states.
The Minneapolis season of the reality dating show came out on Valentine’s Day, 2025. Taylor and Daniel Hastings were the only couple who said “I do” at the altar and they renewed their vows this summer.
Power Pairs: Filmmaker Daniel Bergin and sportscaster Lea B. Olsen
Forget sibling rivalry. Let’s talk about some sibling excellence. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation from her Power Pair series with award-winning filmmaker Daniel Bergin and his award-winning sister, sports broadcaster Lea Olsen. 
Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries’ most-borrowed lists in 2025
All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.
The 43 best books MPR News staff read in 2025
Each year, the MPR newsroom shares staff picks of the best books we read in 2025. From a familiar Minnesota romance author to Dust Bowl-era historical fiction with a dash of magical realism, here’s the books we couldn’t put down.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
When a loved one dies, where do they go? A new kids’ book suggests ‘They Walk On’
After his mom died, “Fry Bread” author Kevin Maillard found himself wondering, “but where did she go?” So he wrote about it. His new kids’ book is “And They Walk On,” illustrated by Rafael López.
Hunker down with these 13 mysteries and thrillers from 2025
Mysteries and thrillers are enjoyable no matter the season, but there’s something extra satisfying about curling up in the winter with a warm drink and an all-engrossing read. Here’s what we suggest.
The best and most surprising Big Book shows of 2025, part one
Go behind the scenes with Big Books host Kerri Miller and producer Kelly Gordon as they choose their favorite and most surprising shows of the last 12 months.