Upcoming Programs and Events
Dive into the world of sculptural form, Mexican folk art, and water-inspired storytelling in this two-day cartonería workshop for adults. Over the course of the workshop, participants will create a sculptural axolotl, Mexico’s iconic “smiling” salamander, while exploring its cultural, ecological, and symbolic significance.
In partnership with the Rivoli Arts Building, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) presents a one-night pop up exhibition with the work of Liz Sexton. Meet the artist, Liz Sexton, to learn about her work and process, along with MMAM staff to hear about what is new at MMAM.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is excited to continue our partnership with the Winona Symphony Orchestra to bring you another season of Water Music: Chamber Concerts at the MMAM. Water Music presents a series of four chamber music concerts in an intimate, refined setting among the galleries. These performances are jointly programmed to spotlight both the visual treasures of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and musical masterworks unified by a common theme.
Join us for the Fall Seasonal Saturday with $1 admission! Join a tour, listen to live music, try your hand at art-making, or visit one of our community partners. Bingo Overboard, everyone’s favorite search-and-find game, is always available - just don’t forget to pick up your recycled prize!
Third Thursdays at MMAM, your new reason to start the weekend early.
With $5 gallery admission after 5 - 8p, a program highlight each month, and Happier Hour at MMAM’s new Waterbar Cafe + Provisions, Third Thursdays will become your new favorite night of the month.
![November Third Thursday [Film] - Live Comedy Movie Riff & Roast](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7b157831d4df3206e42eaf/1778113707011-9F6CRHNA0UUTINE68IKX/2026.10Third.Thursday.film.square.jpg)
Get ready for a night of cinematic chaos and live comedy at MMAM. Comedians Ben Marcotte and Tim Flanagan take on a delightfully terrible “B” movie with a watery twist, delivering live riffs, commentary, and laugh-out-loud reactions inspired by the cult classic spirit of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Making Pająki, or mobiles from straw and paper, is a Polish tradition that goes back hundreds of years. Often made in the late Autumn in time for the Christmas season, and known for their eye-catching hues and ornate paper pompom techniques, they are made to decorate, protect, and bless the rooms in which they hang. Come be a part of this colorful craft revival and learn to make your own mobile to adorn your space!
SPARK! at Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a unique, free program designed specifically for people with memory loss and their care partners. SPARK! programs offer participants an opportunity to enhance their quality of life through social engagement, mental stimulation, and communication.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is excited to continue our partnership with the Winona Symphony Orchestra to bring you another season of Water Music: Chamber Concerts at the MMAM. Water Music presents a series of four chamber music concerts in an intimate, refined setting among the galleries. These performances are jointly programmed to spotlight both the visual treasures of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and musical masterworks unified by a common theme.
In this workshop, participants will learn Peterson’s storytelling approach to image-making alongside foundational papercutting techniques. Students will design and construct their own delicate, translucent paper lanterns, layering imagery and light to create luminous, narrative-driven forms.
Join museum curators in the exhibition Andy DuCett: Home(town)for a relaxed, guided conversation exploring the artworks of Andy DuCett. Together, we’ll look closely, share observations, and unpack the ideas behind conceptual art, no art background needed. Come curious!
This mindfulness-based program focuses on exploring themes that support our health through creativity and play, inspired by MMAM galleries.
→ learn more.
![December Third Thursday [Craft + Cocktail]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b7b157831d4df3206e42eaf/1776893306618-EG0L0IM4FRXBN2SE3QP4/2026.Third.Thursday.Square.yellow.jpg)
Celebrate the season with a festive night of crafting, sipping, and exploring at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum! Join MMAM staff for a relaxed, holiday-inspired Craft + Cocktail event where you’ll create a few handmade holiday goodies, while enjoying a beverage and a night out at the museum.
Third Thursdays at MMAM, your new reason to start the weekend early.
With $5 gallery admission after 5 - 8p, a program highlight each month, and Happier Hour at MMAM’s new Waterbar Cafe + Provisions, Third Thursdays will become your new favorite night of the month.
On Saturday, January 2 Water | Craft: Holding Ground opens at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
On January 3, 2027, Barbara McIlrath: LandSkyWater closes at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
SPARK! at Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a unique, free program designed specifically for people with memory loss and their care partners. SPARK! programs offer participants an opportunity to enhance their quality of life through social engagement, mental stimulation, and communication.
Join us at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum on January 12, to explore, create and play at Toddler Tuesday! This program is for our littlest art lovers (age 1-5) and their grownups. This event offers hands-on art activities, opportunities to connect with other families, free-play, storytelling, a snack, and a chance for toddlers and their grown-ups to explore the artworks in the galleries. We hope to see you at the museum!
Join artist and woodcarver, John Carlson, for a hand-on 1-day workshop exploring the technique of chip carving. Chip carving is a decorative style of wood carving that involves incising a pattern or design directly into the wood.
Start the New Year off with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum at the 2027 Preview Party! Celebrate a year of new exhibitions centered around the annual theme, Made by Hand.
On Saturday, January 30 Regan Golden: River Constructs opens at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
SPARK! at Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a unique, free program designed specifically for people with memory loss and their care partners. SPARK! programs offer participants an opportunity to enhance their quality of life through social engagement, mental stimulation, and communication.