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Best Exhibits To Visit This Summer In Minnesota

Minnesota's long winters lead to beautiful summers and the perfect time to enjoy the local culture. Many museums and cultural centers in Minnesota offer their best exhibitions over the summer to lure visitors indoors during the best weather of the year. Check out limited-time exhibits and traveling performances happening in Minnesota this summer for a chance to learn something new or experience something different. These are just some of the best exhibits offered in Minnesota this summer. Plan to make a day of it.

Rooftop Art Park
Minnesota Children's Museum
10 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-6000
www.mcm.org

Date: May through early Fall

Parents and children all enjoy the Rooftop Art Park at the Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul. Open as soon as the weather breaks, this exhibit is located on the fourth floor roof of the museum building and incorporates the beauty of the outdoors with the art of nature. The exhibit focuses on the use of nature for artistic expression and encourages children to enjoy the qualities of the outdoors. As with all of the exhibits in the Children's Museum, the Rooftop Art Park is interactive and educational. Popular displays include a tree fort and a running stream.

It's New/It's Now: Recent Gifts of Contemporary Prints and Drawings
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Target Gallery
2400 3rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(888) 642- 2787
www.artsmia.orgDate: July 14 through Sept. 1, 2013

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is a staple in Minneapolis that encourages art appreciation and creativity in the community. Throughout the year, many themed exhibitions are on display in the free or ticketed galleries inside the building, and visitors are welcomed and encouraged on a daily basis. This summer, recent donations of contemporary art are being displayed in the Target Gallery for the viewing pleasure of all. The donated collection contains paintings and drawings by talented and renowned artists.

Science Museum
(credit: Science Museum)

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9444
www.smm.org

Date: Opens June 21, 2013

The Science Museum of Minnesota is located on the bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul and has been offering scientific education and interactive exhibits to the local community and visitors alike. The temporary exhibit gallery will be hosting a fascinating exhibit this summer based on the ancient Mayan culture. The Mayan culture is considered by many to be the most advanced ancient society and certainly among the most fantastic. The exhibition will focus on Mayan contributions to modern society and architecture as well as artifacts that remain from the past.

Related: Best Museums in Minnesota

The Museum of Non Participation: The New Deal
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7600
www.walkerart.org

Date: Now through July 14, 2013

The Walker Art Center in downtown Minneapolis is home to many major works of art and visual displays for exhibition and enjoyment. This summer, "The Museum of Non Participation" will be a new and unique exhibit housed in the Center. The installation work of Karen Mirza and Brad Butler, "The Museum of Non Participation" uses visual art and imagery to represent the politics of the world and the relationships among nations. A live production set accompanies this exhibit as it is introduced in the United States for the first time.

Powderhorn Art Fair
Powderhorn Park
821 E. 35th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 767-3515
www.powderhornartfair.com

Date: Aug. 3 and 4, 2013

Although some of the most fascinating exhibits this summer take place indoors, there is ample opportunity to venture outdoors. The Powderhorn Art Fair, in the local neighborhood of Powderhorn, supports a large juried art fair every summer in the park. Over 150 national and renowned artists will be on hand to display their talents and engage the community in artistic expression. Local artists are also invited to share their talents with the community and encourage young artists to display their work.

Related: Best Places To Entertain Grandparents In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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