The Evolving Power of Portraits on Display at the Minnesota History Center

“See & Be Seen” exhibit featuring MNHS Collections opens November 7, 2026

For immediate release

Dated: October 21, 2026

Contacts: Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org or Nick Jungheim, 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org

Location: Minnesota History Center

ST. PAUL, Minn (October 21, 2026) – The Minnesota Historical Society’s fine arts collection contains thousands of works of art that chronicle our state’s history. The new exhibit See & Be Seen will share dozens of portraits from the MNHS collections with visitors to the Minnesota History Center.

Opening November 7, 2026, See & Be Seen will demonstrate how portraits have changed over time from the 1850s to the present day, and how different communities have added their story to Minnesota history.

The portraits on display will feature many artists, mediums, and ways of telling stories. Each portrait holds a connection to Minnesota. Together, they highlight the breadth and core strength of the MNHS collections.

Funding is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.

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