Sharing public art with your kids opens up their creativity and imagination. In addition, they’ll feel a sense of connection to the community. Artists often use public art installations to express their thoughts on community or political issues, and kids can get a feel for these issues by observing these works of art. Enjoy taking your family to these Chanhassen, Minnesota, area public art installations to expose them to a variety of art mediums.

Union Depot

One of the best places to see public art in the Chanhassen area is at Union Depot in Saint Paul. In 2015, the Ramsey County Regional Authority spent $1.25 million on commissioned art installations to enhance the beauty of Union Depot for you to enjoy.

Along with classic art pieces like the train frieze depicting the evolution of transportation from ox carts to locomotives, you’ll also see modern art pieces such as the collage titled Ode to Minnesota and the ceramic tile glass prism mural called Trainscape. While you’re visiting Union Depot, stop by Station 81 Drink & Eatery for food and beverages, or grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view at the Rail View picnic area where you can watch trains going by.

Location: 214 Fourth St. East in Saint Paul

The Goddess of the Grapes

If you appreciate bronze sculptures, head over to Parley Lake Winery to see the stunning Goddess of the Grapes statue. One owner of the winery, Deb Zeller, created this beautiful 7-foot statue to represent and embody the spirit of Parley Lake Winery. Ms. Zeller designed and crafted the Goddess of the Grapes statue over a four-year period in her own sculpture studio, Zeller Studio.

In addition to the statue, you can wander through the on-site art gallery to view paintings and other works of art by local Minnesota artists. While you’re at Parley Lake Winery, enjoy sipping on a glass of their wine as you stroll the sculpture garden featuring whimsical and playful works of art crafted by local artists.

Location: 8280 Parley Lake Road in Waconia

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

You and your family will enjoy the diverse garden and plant displays at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Stop by the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building at the arboretum to see the three art galleries and purchase souvenirs at the gift shop. You won’t want to miss the Harrison Sculpture Garden with works created by renowned sculptors. These pieces of public art are interspersed with natural landscaping over the 3 acres of rolling hills. The final sculpture ends at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum‘s highest point with beautiful views of the area.

Location: 3675 Arboretum Drive in Chaska

Prince Tribute Mural

If you’re a fan of the artist known as Prince, you’ll appreciate the 100-foot-tall mural of this popular musician. The Prince mural depicts three different views of Prince painted by Hiero Veiga, a street artist from Florida. Mr. Veiga created this mural after being hand-picked by the Prince estate among the 60 artists who applied for the commission. This amazing mural is colorful and portrays Prince in a realistic way anyone who appreciates his contribution to the music industry will admire.

Location: Parking ramp A near First Avenue and Target Center at First Avenue and Eighth Street

Forecast

Artists can get support from the nonprofit organization Forecast, which advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity. This organization provides local artists with grants, support, opportunities, and resources to help them advance their artistic endeavors. Forecast also provides training for artists through workshops, fellowships, and other in-person and online opportunities. Community members can subscribe to the digital publication Voices in the Field, which showcases artists’ work and tells the story of their public art. When you read this publication, you’ll learn how artists partner with the local community to voice problems and solutions through public art.

Location: 2380 Wycliff St., Suite 200 in St. Paul

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Stop by the Walker Art Center to wander through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This public art installation is open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight, and you can view the creative works of art from artists including Angela Two Stars, Ta-coumba T. Aiken, and Simone Fattal. After strolling through the sculpture garden, stop inside the Walker Art Center to see the collections of modern and contemporary art, see a performing arts show, or watch a film in the cinema.

Location: 725 Vineland Place in Minneapolis

Public Functionary

Artists of all mediums will appreciate having a dedicated space to dream and create their art at Public Functionary. This space, located in the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, helps empower artists of color and gender fluidity to grow their careers in a safe environment. Public Functionary provides affordable residence and studio space along with mentorship and economic opportunities for artists to advance their creative abilities. Artists can collaborate with others and build a community that supports and empowers each other.

Location: 1500 Jackson St. NE in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Institute of Art

With free admission, everyone can visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art and appreciate the collections of art at this museum. The Minneapolis Institute of Art has over 90,000 pieces of artwork from around the world, from classic pieces to contemporary ones. Throughout the year, The Minneapolis Institute of Art hosts special events for kids and families, including tours of the institute, family days, and open studios where kids can use their imaginations to create their own works of art. Parents will appreciate the family center where kids can play with toys, read books, or relax.

Location: 2400 Third Ave. South in Minneapolis

There you have our list of interesting and beautiful art installations near the Chanhassen area. Which one is your favorite? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor public art displays? Is there a hidden gem of public art we missed here? If so, contact our team at Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen with your recommendations for other unique art installations near our gorgeous city.