Plains Art Museum 🇺🇸

Located in downtown Fargo, North Dakota, the Plains Art Museum offers a rich cultural experience inside a renovated turn-of-the-century International Harvester warehouse. As one of only two museums in North Dakota accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, this fine arts destination holds a distinguished place in the region's cultural scene. Originally tracing its history back to a 1965 art center in nearby Moorhead, Minnesota, the museum relocated to its current Fargo home in October 1997.

When you visit, you will discover an impressive permanent collection containing approximately three thousand works. The holdings bring together a compelling mix of national and regional contemporary art, traditional American Indian art, and traditional folk art. You can admire pieces by iconic artists including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Ellsworth Kelly, Helen Frankenthaler, Sol LeWitt, and James Rosenquist.

Beyond its physical gallery spaces, the museum champions Indigenous creative voices through engaging projects, such as the weekly podcast 5 Plain Questions hosted by Joe Williams, the director of Native American programs. It is an inspiring and educational stop during your travels through downtown Fargo.

What to see at Plains Art Museum

• Historic setting inside a renovated turn-of-the-century warehouse
• Collection of nearly 3,000 national, regional, folk, and Native American artworks
• Works by major artists like Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Helen Frankenthaler
• One of only two accredited museums in North Dakota

Visiting tips

Listen to the museum's weekly podcast, '5 Plain Questions,' before your visit to hear engaging interviews with Indigenous artists.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning or afternoon

How to get there & what’s nearby

Plains Art Museum is easy to reach on Fargo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rourke Art Museum and Red River Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Fargo travel guide.