The Rochester Art Center is a vibrant and welcoming contemporary art museum located along the Zumbro River in downtown Rochester, MN. Established in 1946, it features a variety of exhibitions showcasing work by local, regional, national, and international artists. The center offers dynamic educational programs for all ages and hosts community partnerships and visitor engagement initiatives. Visitors appreciate the ever-changing artworks and carefully curated exhibits that are thought-provoking and accessible, even for those with little or no art background. The space is beautiful, both inside and out, providing a relaxing environment for exploring art and creativity. Staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help make each visit enjoyable and accessible. Highlights include artist spotlight tours, outdoor sculpture tours, and unique finds in the gift shop. Special exhibitions, such as chair-themed displays and student art from the region, add variety and interest. The center also offers activities like a drop-in creative studio, which is highly valued for its relaxing atmosphere and abundance of materials. Overall, the Rochester Art Center is considered a valuable asset to the community, encouraging questioning, creativity, and critical thinking in a diverse and inviting setting.
Can you come here every year to the Mayo clinic craft show love it
November 2025
Beautiful space; exhibit with artists' interpretation of artifacts from the History Center of Olmsted County is really great!
October 2025
There were not a lot of exhibits, but everyone working was friendly and knowledgeable. We decided to try the drop-in creative studio, and it was the best $5/person we’ve spent in a long time. It was a fun, relaxing atmosphere, with a lot of materials available. I would definitely be a regular there if we lived in town.
