MIA - Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Minneapolis Institute of Art, known simply as MIA, is a cornerstone of cultural life in the Twin Cities and a museum of international stature. Among its many treasures, the Department of Photography & New Media stands out as a dynamic area of growth and innovation, offering visitors an expansive view of photography’s history and its evolving role in contemporary art.

The museum began assembling its photography collection in 1973, and today it includes over 11,500 works by more than 800 photographers. The collection reflects the breadth of the medium, from nineteenth-century pictorialism to powerful examples of twentieth-century American photography. Documentary traditions, photojournalism, and artistic experimentation are especially well represented. Since 2008, MIA has made a concerted effort to expand into contemporary photography and new media from around the globe, ensuring that the collection resonates with today’s audiences and connects seamlessly with the museum’s broader holdings of world art.

This remarkable growth has been possible thanks to the vision and generosity of dedicated supporters. Early contributions by Kate Butler and Hall James Peterson set the stage for later gifts from patrons such as Harry Drake, Martin Weinstein, and Fred and Ellen Wells. More recently, the Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison Fund and the creation of the Harrison Photography Galleries have provided a vibrant showcase for the permanent collection. The Perlman Gallery, housed in the museum’s Target Wing, highlights cutting-edge contemporary photography and hosts the New Pictures series, which introduces emerging global artists to Minneapolis audiences.

MIA’s photography and new media program is not only a collecting endeavor but also an educational resource. Teachers, students, and researchers use the collection for study, and exhibitions regularly travel to other institutions. Through this department, the museum affirms its mission as a center for learning, creativity, and cultural dialogue.