- Attraction: Cafesjian Art Trust Museum
- Location: 4600 Churchill St, Shoreview, MN 55126
- Industry: Art Museum
- Website: https://cafesjianarttrust.org/
Glass art transforms into pure magic when light dances through thousands of carefully crafted pieces in ways that defy imagination.
The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum brings this breathtaking experience to Minnesota’s northern suburbs, housing what’s considered one of the world’s most extensive contemporary glass sculpture collections alongside remarkable modern and contemporary artworks.
Established in 2022 by the family of Gerard Cafesjian (1925–2013), this free museum makes world-class art accessible to everyone in a welcoming 20,000-square-foot space.
The collection features nearly 3,000 works and continues to grow, transforming what was once a private treasure into a public cultural gem that rivals major metropolitan museums.
Art That Takes Your Breath Away
Dale Chihuly Masterpieces: The museum’s crown jewel is its spectacular collection of works by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, including pieces made specifically for Gerard Cafesjian during their 30-year friendship.
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Keep Exploring →The lobby’s centerpiece chandelier, a permanent floor-to-ceiling glass sunburst by Chihuly, was originally created for Cafesjian’s home and now welcomes visitors with its radiant colors.
You’ll discover personal touches throughout, including dinner plates and napkins Chihuly doodled on during dinners at Cafesjian’s home as well as personal letters between the two men.
Contemporary Glass Giants: Beyond Chihuly, you’ll encounter works by international glass luminaries including Mary Ann ‘Toots’ Zynsky, Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, Harvey K. Littleton, and Kyohei Fujita.
Each piece showcases different techniques and cultural approaches to studio glass, from intricate Japanese aesthetics to bold American innovations that helped define the modern glass movement.
Modern Art Masters: The collection extends far beyond glass with significant works by Armenian-American painter Arshile Gorky, optical art pioneer Victor Vasarely, French cubist Georges Braque, and contemporary artists like Sam Francis, Gerhard Richter, and Jennifer Bartlett.
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Discover MoreThese pieces demonstrate Gerard Cafesjian’s sophisticated eye for acquiring works by artists who would become major figures in art history.
Rotating Exhibition Program: From Origins to Horizons will survey the movement’s beginnings in the 1960s through today, presenting a wide variety of works and themes within its history, while other exhibitions explore landscapes, optical illusions, and intimate moments from the human experience. Each show offers fresh perspectives on the permanent collection.
Intimate Yet Spectacular Atmosphere
Perfect Scale for Contemplation: Our visitors are able to enjoy our outstanding exhibitions in a space that is accessible and welcoming, creating an environment where you can truly connect with each artwork without feeling overwhelmed.
The museum’s intentionally intimate size allows for meaningful encounters with world-class pieces.
Stunning Lighting Design: The lighting is done so well to enhance what you are seeing, making each glass sculpture come alive with inner fire and brilliant color. The contemporary architecture features sculptures suspended from the ceiling and specialized lighting that reveals the full beauty of each piece.
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Keep Exploring →Modern Gallery Spaces: The entranceway is reminiscent of a tunnel, with bands of light running along the arched ceiling. The interior space is bright and colorful, creating a transportive experience from the moment you enter.
The building’s exterior features glossy blue and gray paneling that stands out beautifully against the suburban landscape.
Research Library: Art enthusiasts can access a dedicated reading room and library for deeper study of the artists and movements represented in the collection. This resource serves researchers, artists, curators, and students seeking additional understanding of contemporary art and glass.
Visitor Experience & Practical Details
Completely Free Admission: One of the museum’s most remarkable features is that it charges no admission fees, making world-class art accessible to everyone in the community. This reflects Gerard Cafesjian’s vision of sharing beauty and culture with the public.
Tour Options: You can choose between guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays (requiring reservations) or self-guided visits on Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:30pm with no reservation needed. Our volunteers are fantastic and are essential to providing an excellent visitor experience, offering insights that enhance your understanding of the artworks.
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Discover MoreFamily-Friendly Programming: Despite featuring delicate glass art, the museum welcomes families with children through special programs like Story Time at the CAT and Preschool Pals. Educational initiatives include a Teen Council, school collaborations, and accessibility programs for people with disabilities.
Convenient Location: We are located at 4600 Churchill Street, Shoreview MN. Parking is free, with easy access from both I-694 and I-35W. The museum sits just minutes from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it a perfect cultural destination for the Twin Cities metro area.
Cafesjian Art Trust Museum
📍 4600 Churchill St, Shoreview, MN 55126
