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.

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ scores Marvel's first $100 million box office opening of 2025
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is topping the domestic box office charts in its first weekend in theaters. The Walt Disney Co. said Sunday that it earned an estimated $118 million from North American theaters.
New England noir chills and thrills in 'The House on Buzzards Bay'
Dwyer Murphy’s new novel, “The House on Buzzards Bay,” is New England noir at its finest. College friends reunite at a beach house one member inherited — but everyone and everything is out of sorts, and when a group member disappears and a mysterious stranger arrives, long-simmering tensions are revealed.
MN Shortlist, July 25-31: Collage, Mozart Americana and more
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
New books this week explore why shade is so important, the first bird detective, and more
New books published this week include a nostalgic graphic history of video games, a queer, complicated and hopeful novel set in Nigeria, and a biography of a forensic ornithologist.
Cartoons, culture and care: Latino artist creates bilingual mental health universe
Rocky Casillas Aguirre’s bilingual art show, “U are the Universe,” uses playful cartoon characters to explore mental health in a way that’s accessible to Latino youth and families.