Who says you have to be cold to enjoy the Winter Carnival? True – getting bit by a nippy winter breeze does make for an all-around carnival experience. But, please, people, don’t be afraid to give yourselves a break and escape into the warm confines of one of these five fine St. Paul cultural institutions – the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Landmark Center and Minnesota History Center.
Science Museum of Minnesota – Now here’s a chill that won’t dry out your skin. “The Alps” at the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Omnitheater is the story of John Harlin III, who decided to climb the North Face of the Eiger – one of the most challenging climbs in the Swiss Alps – even though his father died on the mountain. Shows daily. Museum hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; $16-$13 (Omnitheater and exhibits), $7.50-$6.50 (Omnitheater only), $11-$8.50 (exhibits only); 120 W. Kellogg Blvd.; 651-221-9444 or smm.org.
Minnesota Museum of American Art – At the corner of Kellogg Boulevard and Market Street, the Minnesota Museum of American Art is hosting “Minnesota Biennial: 3D II,” a showcase of three-dimensional works and installations by more than two dozen local artists. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; 50 W. Kellogg Blvd.; free; 651-266-1030 or mmaa.org.
Minnesota Children’s Museum – The kids will love the Children’s Museum, especially “Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?” which includes all their favorite characters, and “Top Secret: Mission Toy,” featuring toys from various cultures (ends Jan. 27). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 W. Seventh St.; $7.95; 651-225-6000 or mcm.org.
Landmark Center – In addition to the Winter Carnival exhibits and events at the historic Landmark Center (check the schedule of events), there’s always something going on in the giant sand castle. On the 24th and the 31st, listen to the classical sounds of the Schubert Club as they put on a free Courtroom Concert at noon; the 27th features a free opening reception (noon-3 p.m.) for two new exhibits from the American Association of Woodturners – “Far from the Tree” and “Woodturning in Basic Black”; on Feb. 2 there are free Winter Carnival activities for the kids (10 a.m.-4 p.m.); and on Feb. 3, learn about Ethiopian culture, food and art at the free “Urban Expedition: Ethiopia” event. 75 W. Fifth St.; 651-292-3233 or landmarkcenter.org.
Minnesota History Center – You don’t have to be outside in the cold to embrace your inner Minnesotan. Get warm with a trip to the Minnesota History Center to see “MN 150.” The exhibit gives Minnesotans 150 reasons – including Prince, Paul Bunyan, Spam and Hazelden – to say “you betcha.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 345 W. Kellogg Blvd.; $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $4 children ages 6 to 17, free for children age 5 and under and MHS members; 651-259-3000 or mnhs.org.
Amy Carlson Gustafson can be reached at agustafson@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5561.
Copyright 2008 Pioneer Press.