Plains Art Museum
The Plains Art Museum in downtown Fargo, North Dakota, is one of the region’s most important centers for art and culture. Founded in 1965, the museum has grown from a small local gallery into a major destination for artists, students, and visitors from all over the Midwest. Since moving into its current home—a beautifully renovated historic warehouse—in 1997, the museum has become a creative hub for the Fargo-Moorhead community and a place where people of all ages can connect through art.
The museum’s collection includes more than 4,000 works of art, covering a wide range of styles, cultures, and time periods. Visitors can see everything from traditional Native American art and regional landscapes to modern paintings, photography, and sculpture. The Plains Art Museum regularly rotates its exhibits, so there’s always something new to discover. It has hosted shows featuring both nationally known artists like Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist, as well as local and regional artists whose work reflects life and culture in the Northern Plains. This blend of global and local art makes the museum an exciting and meaningful place to visit.
Education is at the heart of the Plains Art Museum’s mission. The museum’s Center for Creativity offers hands-on classes, workshops, and art camps for people of all ages. These programs cover painting, ceramics, printmaking, and digital media, and they give everyone—from beginners to experienced artists—a chance to experiment and grow. The museum also partners with schools and community organizations to make sure art education is available to as many people as possible. Through these partnerships, students and families can experience the benefits of creative expression, even outside the museum walls.
Another important part of the museum’s work is its focus on Native American art and culture. The Plains Art Museum has built strong relationships with Indigenous artists and tribal communities throughout the region. Through exhibitions and special events, it celebrates Native heritage and highlights the voices of contemporary Indigenous artists. These exhibits often explore themes of identity, history, and social change, reminding visitors of the deep cultural roots that shape the Northern Plains.
The museum also serves as a lively community gathering place. Throughout the year, it hosts public events such as artist talks, film screenings, family art days, and community projects. These events make art feel approachable and fun, bringing people together to experience creativity in different ways. The annual Spring Gala and Art Auction are especially popular, combining art, entertainment, and community spirit while raising funds to support future exhibitions and educational programs.
The building itself adds to the museum’s charm. The former 1904 warehouse has been beautifully restored, with exposed brick, wooden beams, and open gallery spaces that fill with natural light. Its unique design combines historic character with a modern, welcoming atmosphere.
The Plains Art Museum isn’t just a place to look at art—it’s a place to experience it. Whether you’re walking through its galleries, taking a class, or attending a community event, the museum offers something for everyone. It stands as a proud symbol of creativity, culture, and connection in Fargo, reminding visitors how powerful art can be in bringing people together and inspiring new ideas.
Fargo Air Museum
The museum’s collection includes more than 4,000 works of art, covering a wide range of styles, cultures, and time periods. Visitors can see everything from traditional Native American art and regional landscapes to modern paintings, photography, and sculpture. The Plains Art Museum regularly rotates its exhibits, so there’s always something new to discover. It has hosted shows featuring both nationally known artists like Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist, as well as local and regional artists whose work reflects life and culture in the Northern Plains. This blend of global and local art makes the museum an exciting and meaningful place to visit.
Education is at the heart of the Plains Art Museum’s mission. The museum’s Center for Creativity offers hands-on classes, workshops, and art camps for people of all ages. These programs cover painting, ceramics, printmaking, and digital media, and they give everyone—from beginners to experienced artists—a chance to experiment and grow. The museum also partners with schools and community organizations to make sure art education is available to as many people as possible. Through these partnerships, students and families can experience the benefits of creative expression, even outside the museum walls.
Another important part of the museum’s work is its focus on Native American art and culture. The Plains Art Museum has built strong relationships with Indigenous artists and tribal communities throughout the region. Through exhibitions and special events, it celebrates Native heritage and highlights the voices of contemporary Indigenous artists. These exhibits often explore themes of identity, history, and social change, reminding visitors of the deep cultural roots that shape the Northern Plains.
The museum also serves as a lively community gathering place. Throughout the year, it hosts public events such as artist talks, film screenings, family art days, and community projects. These events make art feel approachable and fun, bringing people together to experience creativity in different ways. The annual Spring Gala and Art Auction are especially popular, combining art, entertainment, and community spirit while raising funds to support future exhibitions and educational programs.
The building itself adds to the museum’s charm. The former 1904 warehouse has been beautifully restored, with exposed brick, wooden beams, and open gallery spaces that fill with natural light. Its unique design combines historic character with a modern, welcoming atmosphere.
The Plains Art Museum isn’t just a place to look at art—it’s a place to experience it. Whether you’re walking through its galleries, taking a class, or attending a community event, the museum offers something for everyone. It stands as a proud symbol of creativity, culture, and connection in Fargo, reminding visitors how powerful art can be in bringing people together and inspiring new ideas.
Fargo Air Museum