Our Galleries

Our galleries are open for wonder and wander! MCBA raises the visibility of artists by presenting an average of 10–12 exhibitions annually in two separate galleries.

Main Gallery

MCBA presents 5–6 exhibitions annually in our Main Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Open Book building in Downtown Minneapolis. Exhibitions feature work by artists working across the creative spectrum of book arts, celebrating both its rich history and diverse contemporary approaches. All exhibitions are free and open to the public, and seek to expand awareness and understanding of this dynamic art form.

MCBA does not take proposals for Main Gallery exhibitions.

Upcoming Main Gallery Shows

Jerome Residency 
October 31, 2024–January 5, 2025

The 2022 & 2023 McKnight Fellowship
January 21–March 29, 2025

Building / Books by Karen Wirth
April 12–June 7, 2025

MCBA Artist Collective
June 21–August 2, 2025

A Radical Alteration: Women’s Studio Workshop as a Sustainable Model for Art Making curated by Maymanah Farhat
January 16–March 29, 2025

New Editions
October 11–25, 2025

Outlook Gallery

The Outlook Gallery at MCBA is a unique window gallery space at the front of the Open Book building, designed to engage and inspire pedestrians, commuters, and cyclists along Washington Avenue. It is visible day and night to hundreds of passersby in a vibrant area of Downtown Minneapolis, close to the Stone Arch Bridge, Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, the University of Minnesota, Light Rail Station, and US Bank Stadium. The space is also accessible through the Shop at MCBA, which offers an inspirational collection of handmade artists’ books, prints, cards, and art supplies. The Outlook Gallery fosters community engagement through artwork to inspire an appreciation for creativity, curiosity, and place.

Would your work be a good fit for the Outlook Gallery? We’re seeking proposals! Submit your book-related installation art from January 31–March 29, 2024 via the Submittable link on our Exhibition Proposals page.

Upcoming Outlook Gallery Shows

Emmett Ramstad
October 12, 2024–January 18, 2025

Anna Haglin
January 25, 2025–March 29, 2025

Karen Wirth
April 12–June 7, 2025