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.

Chuck Berry's final album out Friday
Berry died in March at the age of 90. This is his first studio album since 1979.
Learn to sniff like a dog and experience the world in a new way
We humans think we don't have a very good sense of smell. But psychologist Alexandra Horowitz says dogs can show us how to train our noses so they give us a window into a secret world.
With 'Scaffold' gone, questions about art remain
Is the place we go for wedding photos an appropriate venue for deeply disturbing art?
Art Hounds: Folk, rap and abstract art
Art Hounds recommend music by Manchita and Rachael Kilgour, and a show of abstract paintings by Sheila Wagner.
H.P. Lovecraft's monster is wrapping family game night up in tentacles
A century after the horror writer created Cthulhu, board game creators and players have resurrected the deep sea monster and brought it into pop culture. Why is this beast making a comeback?
'Called To Rise': Dallas police chief on overcoming racial division
Last year, Dallas Police Chief David Brown was the face of leadership after a gunman killed five police officers during a protest. He has since retired from the force and wrote a book about his life.
Journalist Omar El Akkad discusses the inspiration behind his debut novel.
Polar photographer shares his view of a ferocious but fragile ecosystem
Paul Nicklen has spent decades documenting the Arctic and the Antarctic. "I want people to realize that ice is like the soil in the garden," he says. "Without ice the polar regions cannot exist."
MPR News guest host Marianne Combs looked at the role of comedy in the age of President Donald Trump.
Prince stopped celebrating birthdays. Here's why
In the '80s Prince threw some big birthday bashes for himself, but later in his life he stopped celebrating his birthday.