Collection on the Weisman Art Museum

The University Art Gallery was opened in 1933 in the Northrup Memorial Auditorium. Then-University president Lotus Coffman said, "there is a need for new values to sustain the morale of individuals in the days ahead. The arts are a source for such values and I want this university to play a leading part in instilling them." The gallery was initially called the "Little Gallery". The museum's first curator was Hudson D. Walker. When Walker died, his collection of American art from the first half of the twentieth century that he shared with his wife, Ione, was donated to the museum.

The name of this gallery changed to the University Gallery, and then the University Art Museum. Eventually it was dubbed the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, after a major contribution from the Minneapolis native, entrepreneur, and noted philanthropist.

The museum's current building, a silvery futuristic-looking structure, was designed by architect Frank Gehry. The building opened in 1993.

The museum is particularly noted for its American collection including multiple works by Marsden Hartley, Alfred Maurer, and Charles Biederman, as well as its collection of ceramics. The museum's mission is to "create art experiences that spark discovery, critical thinking, and transformation, linking the University and the community."

As of 1993, the museum was funded entirely from private sources.