Handbook of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts With 143 Illustrations

A compact, illustrated guide walks listeners through the Minneapolis Institute of Arts as it appeared in the early twentieth century. Simple floor plans map the first and second levels, while brief descriptions point out the layout of key rooms—from the South Hall of Renaissance casts to the Print Study Room and the east corridor of Greek and Roman sculptures.

The book showcases a striking variety of objects, ranging from Rembrandt etchings and Whistler dry‑points to Japanese cloisonné and Ming‑dynasty porcelain. It also brings ancient cultures into view, with Egyptian mummies, Babylonian tablets, Persian woodwork, and a selection of medieval European tapestries. Each entry is paired with a clear photograph, letting listeners picture the artwork while learning its basic provenance and date.

Published in 1917, this handbook captures a moment in museum history, offering a nostalgic snapshot of how art was organized and presented to the public. For anyone curious about the breadth of the collection, the narration provides a vivid, room‑by‑room tour that brings the museum’s treasures to life.