Better (extremely) late than never…read more The Pavek affords one a step back in time to an era when Radio was dominant. I find that it has a fascinating collection of all manner of radios as well as TVs and assorted broadcast equipment. The museum has made a heroic effort to preserve the early days of electronic media and to me it serves as a reminder that what's new is old. Hours are somewhat limited (see Pavek online for current info). The price of admission is quite reasonable in my opinion. Unfortunately the Pavek is relatively obscure and not at all well known (at least locally). I suppose that makes the place a "hidden gem." I personally think it deserves much greater recognition. Well worth a look in my book.

We often talk about "hidden gems" as a good think. In the case of the Pavek Museum, it's…read moreunfortunate that this gem is hidden. It's located off Highway 100 in St. Louis Park, very near the Post Office and Target. I've lived in the Twin Cities, less than 15 minutes from the museum, since before the museum opened in 1988. Yes, I had never heard of it or even seen it, even though I've been within blocks of it's location many, many times. Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the museum with one of their well-qualified interns. This museum specialized in mass communication, from the invention of the telegraph machine in the 1800's through modern times. In fact, many of the "artifacts" in the museum didn't even exist when the museum opened in 1988! I was most impressed with their exhibits and original objects, including the very first reel-to-reel tape machine brought to the US after World War I. It is a chance to get very close to all of these objects and to better understand the evolution of communication in a relatively short 150 years of advancements. As an adult, I really enjoyed this museum and I think we will find it well worth your time to visit. However, the main bulk of their visitors are school groups. It would be fun to watch kids try to figure out how to use the rotary phone dial they have in their phone booth exhibit. These is also a low-wattage radio station that kids can use to do actual broadcasts. Please help this gem become unhidden because it is a fun and educational museum that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Beautiful museum and art collection in a modern and well-lit space. Incredible glasswork and other…read morepieces on exhibit.

First time visiting and I have to come back. The glass art on display was absolutely stunning. The…read morelighting is done so well to enhance what you are seeing. I tried to capture my fav piece by walking a video around it but the video just doesn't do it justice. You must see in person. I worked for West Publishing when Mr Cafesjian was an executive there so I have some familiarity with his love of art. It's hard to imagine some of these pieces being part of his home. Such beauty to view everyday. The museum is open to the public but you need to make a reservation at the set times. The guide is very knowledgeable and spends about 20 minutes talking then walks around the museum answering your questions. She was wonderful and a nice addition to the tour. Some of the pieces are on loan so stop back on occasion to see new art.

The staff was so kind, and my nephew loved all the animals, skulls, and reptiles. The ticket…read moreservice was excellent, and the layout made sense. My nephew and I spent over an hour there, and he had so many questions and wanted to go back!

An amazing small museum with a focus on education, space, and dinosaurs. They throw tons of fun…read moreevents and it's definitely worth a stop :)

Beautiful museum and lives up to its name : American Art!…read more Nicely curated objects representing people of all colors and different heritages - from native Americans to new Asian immigrants, and many more! From big names like Paul Manship (he did the Prometheus in front of the Rockefeller Center) and Grant Wood, to local artists like George Morrison, to new Hmong artists who are eager to make their works seen, this museum has a great collection and the juxtaposition of their works present a scene none less amazing than the American culture today! FREE!

Absolutely wonderful museum in an historical building with free admission. The staff were friendly…read moreand informative. The museum tour was excellent and the art collection wonderful. It was a great way to spend a winter day! Highly recommended!

- Mill City Museum…read more Mill City Museum was one of the highlights of my time in Minneapolis and is absolutely worth visiting. One important thing to know is that the museum closes around 4:30 p.m., so plan accordingly. I would recommend giving yourself at least 90 minutes to two hours. You could move through faster, but you would miss a lot of the history and displays. Admission was around $15, and it was completely worth the price. After purchasing a ticket, you receive a sticker with a scheduled time for the Flour Tower experience. When that time arrives, you report to the designated area on the first floor. While waiting, there is plenty to explore about the history of the mills, the surrounding area, and the enormous role Minneapolis played in the flour industry. I do not want to spoil the Flour Tower experience, but I will say this: it is absolutely worth doing. My advice is to sit in the front row near the middle. I happened to choose that seat by chance, and it ended up being the best seat in the house. The experience genuinely surprised me and became one of the first things I told friends and family about when I returned home. Afterward, you are taken to the top of the building, where there are excellent views of the surrounding area. You can see the Pillsbury Mill across the river, the Stone Arch Bridge, St. Anthony Falls, the lock and dam, the Guthrie Theater, nearby park areas, and portions of the historic mill ruins. Once you return to the first floor, you can also walk through and see the ruins up close. I spent about an hour and a half here and felt that was a good amount of time, although someone who enjoys reading every display could easily spend two hours or more. I highly recommend Mill City Museum, especially for anyone visiting Minneapolis for the first time. It is educational, creative, memorable, and one of those attractions that is much more impressive than you may expect going in.

Really loved this museum!! Especially the observation deck and the movie at the end . There was a…read morebread tasting and a fool proof recipe given. It was informative in terms of understanding the city culture and flour milling. Great gift shop too! I highly recommend.

Beautifully preserved prairie school style home. MIA manages this property and the guide was…read moreincredibly knowledgeable and thorough in helping bring the home alive. Our tour had about 10 people which was a good amount. I had a fun time trying to find the subtle differences in the stained glass windows. On street parking was easy. I will have to come back in the summer to see more of the outside and gardens. I'd also like to walk around the neighborhood. Beautiful area. Enjoyed this tour very much.

The Purcell-Cutts house is owned by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and is open for tours the…read moresecond weekend of every month. It was built in the early 1900s, and has been preserved (with the replacement of some of the original furniture with look-alikes) almost entirely as it was back then. The tours are very informative, and cheap too; $5 for non-members, free if you're a member of the MIA. Being that it's a turn-of-the-century house, it wasn't built to accommodate wheelchairs, unfortunately. Also, you should call ahead if someone in your party has trouble walking up stairs or standing for long periods of time.

Folks, the JazzMN Orchestra is a world class big band in our backyard. I can't believe that until…read morenow they were nowhere to be found on Yelp. I hope that by adding this review I might help at least a little to spread the word and attract an even wider audience to their performances. I've been enjoying their concerts since their first year (1999). They've moved around until finally settling on Hopkins High School as their venue of choice. I ask that you not roll your eyes and think of your old high school gym with the bleachers extended for a band recital. This is a very good concert hall with excellent accoustics, comfortable seating and clear sight lines. Guest artists over the years have included, among others: Gordon Goodwin, Arturo Sandoval, David Weckl, Phil Woods, Paquito D'Rivera, The New York Voices, Peter Erskine, Wayne Bergeron, Joey DeFrancesco, Bob Mintzer, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, James Moody, John Clayton, Ernie Watts, Fred Sturm, Bobby Shew and Terell Stafford. They often feature local and regional artists as well. Do yourself a favor and check out this stellar ensemble. Then, once they've blown you away with their sound tell others. I want to see this group not just survive but thrive for years to come. Tip, the Lone Spur Restaurant just down the road stays open late for an after show dinner.

Tonight I went to JazzMN's concert for the first time, and they were absolutely amazing. The fact…read morethat the show was nicely narrated helped, but aside from that they covered a wide range of jazz pieces in a very public-friendly way, and it was enjoyable to all age ranges. Definitely searching for their next show in town.

A must see if you are in the Twin Cities and the whole region. This cultural center serves as a…read moremuseum and a community center for the nation. The gift shop has art and other products all from small businesses. Once you arrive there is a small introduction from the staff and you are allow to learn at your leisure. There is a free parking lot but you can also take a ride share, just be mindful of surge pricing.

This cultural center is a sight to behold! I love the architecture- both the exterior and interior…read moreare modern and flowing, yet so thoughtful in how it connects with the greater meaning of the Dakota people (who find symbolism in circles and cycles). The sky-light in the ceiling mirrors the tribe's logo. The lower level is specifically members-only, so if you are visiting, you will not be able to view the lower level. We discovered that there was a fun masquerade happening after-hours the day we visited; it's nice to know there is involvement all the time from community members! The upper level is where visitors can come to explore the museum and learn about this region's specific segment of the Dakota tribe and the dialect they speak. You will get to see authentic and historic pieces that were unearthed in the burial mounds right here in the Shakopee area! Wow! Also many outfits worn by men and women. Two painted murals are very impressive as well. There are many exhibits to read from and interact with, many of which also include Dakota language read aloud so you can listen along. I especially liked learning that the tribe had specific words for older and younger brothers/sisters. My favorite exhibit was the teepee lined with real buffalo skins that you could sit inside and listen to recordings of oral history stories that might've been told back in the day while pretending to be next to a warm bonfire! Very immersive. I also really liked the origin story told at the beginning of the self-guided tour; the video played in 360 degrees as well as directly above you as if you were looking up at the sky/stars. It really made it special and memorable. Another fun experience for younger visitors is the bead stringing simulation with colored wooden blocks- choose a fun pattern and assemble like a puzzle! You will also be exposed to the tragedies that befell the tribe with the invasion of European settlers and learn the harsh struggles the community had in retaining its culture during that time. Further, there are exhibits of more contemporary times as the community has been able to secure more land, grow, and look toward providing for its future generations. Really remarkable the strength and hope showcased at the end of the tour and really wraps up the experience nicely. The rate for adults/general admission is $8. Seniors, educators, and students get a discount for $5. There is an occupancy limit of fifty individuals at a time. Be sure to stop at the giftshop to purchase unique gifts that benefit the community and the artists themselves that create the crafts. You'll find lotions, balms, incense, food items, maple syrup, incredible quilts, blankets, plushies, keychains, beanies, jewelry, pins, postcards, decorative pieces, books, and more. There is also a library full of great literature to learn even more if you choose, free of charge. Honestly, if you are in the area, this place is a must-go! Wonderful experience, and the employees are very friendly and knowledgeable too.