Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Mission Statement

The mission of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum is....

To enrich the human experience
To enable the joy of discovery
To elevate the spirit

All through the world of art and learning.

The Museum

What began as an informal conversation about the fate of the soon to be decommissioned dredge boat William A. Thompson has developed into a world class museum along the Mississippi Riverfront in Winona, MN. The Museum opened July 27th, 2006.

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum currently features four major art collections, making it a regional and national attraction. The Burrichter-Kierlin Marine Art Collection, on loan to the museum, features oil paintings, watercolors and three-dimensional marine art objects from a variety of countries and periods created by many of the world's most important marine artists. The Leo and Marilyn Smith Folk Art Collection consists of distinctive wood carved and hand painted sculptures that capture the spirit of small town river life. A rare collection of amazing photographs and maps by Henry Peter Bosse reflect 19th century Mississippi River life and landscapes. Finally, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Dredge William A. Thompson will become a river history exhibit, docked adjacent to the museum once decommissioned in 2007 and open for display in 2008.

The atrium leading to the museum's three galleries.

The property is located at 800 Riverview Drive, just west of the Interstate Bridge along the Mississippi River. The building features three galleries, a reception space, museum store, self-service cafe, staff and support facilities. The architectural theme of the building and grounds is that of a turn of the century waterfront and harbor.

Six acres of garden and grounds include more than 40,000 plants-trees shrubs, flowers, and grasses-complete with a native prairie area, wildflower meadow, perennial borders, and walkways. Outdoor benches and tables offer a beautiful view of the landscaping and the Mississippi River.

Guests dining alongside the Mississippi River.

Weathervane

Nova Scotian artist Murray Stevens is a seventh generation member of a family of sail makers, boat designers, and boat and yacht builders -- as well as being a racing sailor. He followed his father, David, into the family’s boat design and building business.

Murray, trained in metal work in Rhineland, Germany and was commissioned in 1983 to design and build a large stainless steel schooner weathervane to be mounted on top of the Canadian Trade Center Tower in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The weathervane at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a smaller version of that first weathervane of 22 years ago. The artist agreed to come out of a 20-year retirement to construct this symbol for the Museum.

The Museum’s weathervane weighs 650 pounds, with the globe alone measures thirty inches in diameter. It is made of stainless steel and fiberglass and serves as the model for the Museum’s logo.

Board of Directors

Dr. John Anfinson

Mr. Bud Baechler

Mr. Dennis Decker

Dr. James Eddy

Mr. Michael Galvin, Jr

Ms. Michael Nelson

Ms. Rachelle Schultz (Chairperson)

Mr. Phil Schumacher

Mr. Don Shelby