Explore with Kids: Rourke Art Gallery + Museum

Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
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Rourke Art Gallery + Museum

Location: 521 Main Ave, Moorhead, MN 56560

Located in Downtown Moorhead, the Rourke has been a part of the Fargo-Moorhead community since 1960.

What to do:

Visit the galleries. View the featured exhibits on the first flour that focus on regional talent. And their permanent collection of over 5,000 works (including Lichtenstein and Warhol) on the second floor.

Admire the architecture. The neoclassical museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and used to be the Moorhead Federal Post Office. Construction began in 1913 and it opened to the public in 1915. The building retains original architectural details such as the exterior front portico with columns and an impressive marble staircase inside.

Check out the Archives + Reading Room filled with over 300 texts and rotating exhibits.

Take a picture with the Vincent Van Gogh-inspired bison out front!

Participate in the puzzle exchange. Bring in a puzzle and leave with a new puzzle!

Browse the gift shop for a souvenir or art supplies.

Why we love the Rourke:

First of all, it’s free! Thanks to the Rourke4All campaign and the FM Free Arts Initiative.

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum has a great mix of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and more.

Much of the art on the first floor is for sale, providing an excellent opportunity to support local artists.

The museum’s smaller size makes it possible to see all the art in one trip.

In the summer, check out the Rourke microprairie on the east side of the building. It was created in 2017 in collaboration with the Minnesota DNR and the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District. And is also home to two pieces of public artwork.

Good to know:

Open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

A small parking lot is located on the south side of the building.

Food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries.

Group tours on not available at this time.

The Museum’s handicap accessible entrance is located on 6th Street South, the east side of the building.

The Rourke Art Gallery requires visitors to check all backpacks, briefcases, umbrellas, and other larger parcels.

Photography might not be permitted in certain exhibits, but for the permanent collection photos or videos (for personal use only) are allowed.

Looking to explore more museums in our area? Check out our post on Historic Landmarks & Musuems in Fargo & Moorhead.
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Leah Tennefos
Leah is a true Midwesterner: born in Minnesota, educated at the University of North Dakota, and living in Fargo since 2009. She has a degree in English and spent years working as a paralegal. Leah is now a stay-at-home mom to two boys, Andrew and Sammy. She spends her free time reading, traveling, and getting a good workout in. She loves learning, music, art, coffee, the oxford comma, and is continually pursuing the elusive goal of having an organized home.

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