Minneapolis Institute Of Arts Turns 100 In 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is celebrating in style all day. Well, all year really. That's because the Minneapolis museum turns 100 years old this 2015, with plenty of cake and color to go around at the birthday party in Minneapolis.

Local bakeries Queen of Cakes, 46 Patisserie, Agra Culture, Copper Ahem, Hanisch Bakery & Coffee, and Grandma's Bakery all baked and decorated cakes inspired by artwork from MIA's collection.

The newest exhibit, which debuted the first day of 2015, is a collection from the late Myron Kunin called "American Modernism: Selections from the Kunin Collection of American Art." Kunin, a Minneapolis native, founded Regis Cooperation. The businessman took a liking to American art from the first half of the 20th century.

Kunin's 550 works from his personal collection are on long-term loan to the museum thanks to his family.

The exhibit features more than 80 works that showcase both American modernists and celebrated American realists.

Some of artists who will be on display have rarely been seen by the public, including paintings by Reginald Marsh, Marsden Harley, Stuart Davis, Walt Kuhn and Paul Cadmus.

"I was looking for something to do on New Year's Day that I knew was going to be incredibly interesting," Minneapolis resident John Mehring said. "I think I made the right choice."

Mehring was a history major in college and likes visiting MIA.

"I like early 19th century and 20th century history, and this was an overview of it, and it was exciting to see this for the first time," Mehring said.

If you're looking to join the celebration, the party is just getting started for the Kunin exhibit, but if you're more into fashion, time is running out for you to check out the "Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945" exhibit. Sunday is your last chance before names like Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo head to Portland.

MIA will remain open until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3 for extended viewing.