About the Friends
Our Mission
The Friends of the Institute is one of the largest and most active art museum volunteer groups in the United States. Our members are dedicated to supporting, enhancing, and sustaining Mia’s collection, programs, and influence.
Our Values
Our work is guided by these values:
Belonging: Ensuring everyone feels welcomed like a true friend
Learning: Providing activities such as lectures, book clubs, luncheons, and tours
Giving: Offering our time, talents, and financial gifts to the Friends to build our community of art lovers, help Mia acquire artwork, and ensure school access to the museum.
Our Work
We have a busy schedule of programs that help us live out these values.
Lecture Series
Between September and May, the Friends offer a free monthly lecture series to the community. Lectures feature local, national, and international speakers on art topics, including artists, curators, academics, and cultural figures.
Book Club
The Friends Book Club is a benefit for members and meets monthly between September and May. Each book club meeting features an engaging discussion with fellow book lovers and a tour of art objects related to the month’s book.
Art in Bloom
Art in Bloom, our signature event and yearly gift to the community, engages more than 150 floral artists to interpret Mia’s art with beautiful floral displays.
Fundraising Events
Throughout the year, the Friends host several events to raise money to support art acquisition and conservation at the museum, education programs, and our Bus Transportation Grants that provide funds so schools across Minnesota can bring their students to Mia. More than 50,000 students have benefited from these programs.
Additional Opportunities
The Friends also organize other special events, such as art and architecture tours, luncheons, and trips to other museums and regions. Plus our newsletter keeps members informed of all we have going on.
If you live in Rochester or St. Cloud, you can join their Friend groups. These groups provide additional ways to stay involved.
Become a Friend
Throughout our first 100 years, the Friends have made a significant impact on the museum and our surrounding community. Join us as we embark on our next 100 years of belonging, learning, and giving.