Somalis + Minnesota

Experience artifacts, photos, and stories of Somali history from baadiye to Mogadishu to life in Minnesota today.

See this new exhibit on Somali history and culture, developed in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society and theSomali Museum of Minnesota, which houses a collection of more than 700 pieces and offers a wide range of educational programs about Somali traditional culture at the museum and throughout the region.

The exhibit will showcase Somali culture — from traditional life in Africa, through the massive migration that began in the 1990s, to today’s large, well-established Minnesota Somali community.

Visit an Aqal Soomaali — a reconstructed nomadic hut imported from Somalia.

Learn about Somalia's history through a rare collection of photographs and objects, brought to life through commentary by Somali historians now living in Minnesota.

Meet Somali Minnesotans from across the state through videos and interactive photo panels.

Exhibit Opening Celebration

On opening day, Saturday, June 23, celebrate with free admission to the museum, activities for the entire family, and a chance to meet friends and neighbors during a Sambusa Saturday while enjoying a sambusa and Somali tea. Opening day activities and free admission made possible by grants from the Knight Foundation and 3M. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.