The museum houses one of the most significant collections of J.M.W. Turner oil paintings in North America.
The collection includes authentic 19th-century ship models and historical maritime artifacts displayed alongside fine art.
The building was specifically designed to utilize natural light to illuminate the galleries, enhancing the water-themed artworks.
The museum was founded by Mary and Robert Kierlin to promote the appreciation of marine art in a landlocked state.
It is the only museum in the United States dedicated specifically to the subject of marine art.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a specialized art institution located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Winona. It features seven spacious galleries showcasing a diverse collection of maritime-inspired fine art. The permanent collection includes works by European masters such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and J.M.W. Turner, alongside American impressionists and contemporary marine artists. The facility is situated within Levee Park and is surrounded by outdoor sculptures and landscaped gardens. The museum focuses exclusively on the theme of water, reflecting both historical maritime trade and artistic interpretations of aquatic environments. It also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that often highlight folk art or specific regional maritime history.
The floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the main hall overlooking the Mississippi River.
Visit the outdoor walking paths in Levee Park immediately before or after your gallery tour.
Check the museum's exhibition calendar online before arriving to see which rotating galleries are currently being installed.
Take advantage of the museum's proximity to the Mississippi River to observe the local river traffic and migratory bird paths.
Do not rush through the galleries; the collection's layout is designed for slow, deliberate viewing of individual pieces.
Closed on Mondays.
