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State officials are considering a plan to relocate two paintings inside the Minnesota Capitol because of complaints about their depiction of American Indians.

Father Hennepin at the Falls of St. Anthony

 -- are longtime fixtures in the Governor’s Reception Room, along with four other paintings that depict Civil War battles.

Tribal leaders and others have said the two American-Indian-themed painting are historically inaccurate and insensitive to native people.

Gov. Mark Dayton, who chairs a larger committee overseeing the Capitol renovation, said he supports the proposed art relocation. But he raised concerns about leaving only Civil War paintings on the walls.

“I just don’t believe that all of the pictures in the reception room, anteroom and the main room should be about the Civil War,” Dayton said. “I think there should be a variety.”

Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, said he opposes moving any of the historic art work.

The advisory panel did not propose replacement art for the painting locations. Its recommendations also include keeping the portraits of past governors, but displaying them in new ways and setting guidelines for style and size.

A final report is expected at a later date.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Tim Pugmire

Author

Two paintings may be taken out of the ornate Governor's Reception Room because of the way they depict American Indians.

Dayton gives mixed review to Capitol art plan

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