Minneapolis Institute of Art

More than half a million people pass through the doors of Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) each year and with a staggering 5,000 years of history and culture represented in this magnificent museum, it's easy to see why it is one of Minneapolis' top places to visit. With over 80,000 works of art and sculpture, make sure you have plenty of time to explore the long airy hallways.

The MIA represents every discipline of art across many cultures. From ancient pottery to European masterpieces, the diverse range of pieces on display is simply awe-inspiring. See if you can find Gustave Courbet’s "Deer in a Forest", one of the first pieces to adorn the walls of the institute.

Travel back in time through centuries of Asian history, tradition and culture in what is arguably one of the country's most comprehensive collections from the Orient. Moving onto the African galleries expect to find treasures such as an ancient wooden horse and rider from Djenne, dating back over 1000 years. Not to be out done, the Native American galleries host artifacts such as an Olmec jade mask which is over 3,000 years old.

With such a magnificent collection on display, it's advised to set aside a good few hours to get the most out of your visit. Head to the Information Centre when you arrive and pick up a map of the museum or alternatively download a version from the museums website before you visit.

Take a break from sight-seeing and refuel at one of the museums many restaurants and cafés. Avail of the free Wi-Fi, which also enables you to take an audio-guided tour through your mobile phone. If you'd prefer, there are free walking tours throughout the day.

Situated in downtown Minneapolis, it's easy to get to the MIA. The Metro Transit bus takes about 10 minutes from the city centre and stops a short distance from the museum. Pay parking is also available. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is open Tuesday to Sunday but is closed on some public holidays. Check the official website for current details.