MIA breaks attendance record -- again
For the third straight year, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has broken its attendance record.
In the 2013-14 fiscal year, 752,444 people visited the art institute. The Johannes Vermeer exhibit drew the most visitors at 79,000.
Kristin Prestegaard, chief engagement officer at the MIA, said a main goal has been to attract a more diverse audience.
"We've added new programming that appeals to broader and more diverse audiences and [are] really partnering with community partners to reach them and invite people to meet us where they are," Prestegaard said.
The art institute also has offered surprise performances during its centennial year, exhibits featuring artistic masterpieces and free events.
Other popular exhibits included The Habsburgs, Italian Style and Art in Bloom.
The MIA has more events planned for its centennial year, including a crop art recreation of Van Gogh's "Olive Trees" near the airport; an exhibit of modern masters including Cezanne, Matisse and Degas; a show featuring the drawings of chef Ferran Adriá and a free block party in August.
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