Minneapolis Institute of Art

If your clients love the bold forms and exuberant spirit of modernism, take them to see “Brilliant! Pairing Continuity and Influence” at Mia. This intriguing exhibition of modern and contemporary pieces from the museum’s collection illustrates the influence of Native American artists on 20th century art. Thus inspired, head over to Pimento Jamaican Kitchen on nearby Eat Street (Nicollet Avenue) for an equally exuberant meal of jerk chicken, curried vegetables and red beans paired with brightly colored tropical sodas.
“Brilliant! Pairing Continuity and Influence,” through August 17, artsmia.org; Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, pimentokitchen.com

Weisman Art Museum

Clients who appreciate Frank Gehry’s architectural wizardry will be delighted by a pilgrimage to the Weisman, perched like a wayward knight in shining armor on the Mississippi River. Inside the museum’s Target Studio for Creative Collaboration, “The Talking Cure” features the quirky, not-quite-human sculptures of New York-based artist Melissa Stern, brought to life with recorded monologues created by writers and actors. From the museum, it’s a five-minute drive to Restaurant Alma on University Avenue for an early-spring feast of bitter greens, pan-roasted farm chicken with potato and fennel gratin and a bottle of Bastide Blanche Bandol.
“The Talking Cure,” through April 30, weisman.umn.edu; Restaurant Alma, almampls.com

Science Museum of Minnesota

Clients with a passion for adventure will welcome the chance to get out of the office and into the Science Museum’s Omnitheater, famed for its giant 90-foot dome screen. As part of the museum’s Omnifest film series, Mystery of the Nile explores the world’s deadliest river from end to end, complete with bandits, crocodiles and other challenges, while Everest follows a harrowing real-life journey to the summit of Mount Everest. Once you’ve returned to the relative safety of civilization, repair to the nearby St. Paul Grill for a restorative dram of Dalwhinnie 15-year-old whiskey, followed by grilled lamb chops and signature hash browns with bacon and onions.
Omnifest, through May 4, Science Museum of Minnesota, smm.org; St. Paul Grill, stpaulgrill.com

Minnesota Transportation Museum

Clients who are railroad buffs will enjoy a visit to the Jackson Street Roundhouse, headquarters of the Minnesota Transportation Museum. Situated on 9 acres north of downtown St. Paul, the roundhouse was built by James J. Hill in 1907 as part of his Great Northern Railway. Chat with retired railroad engineers and conductors as you admire vintage steam and diesel locomotives, passenger trains and freight equipment. The roundhouse turntable is one of the last of its kind in the U.S. After a tour of the working blacksmith shop, head to Pazzaluna, a block from Rice Park in downtown St. Paul for a bottle of Chianti, bruschetta with burrata and fresh basil, and wood-fired pizza with spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni and crimini mushrooms.
Minnesota Transportation Museum, transportationmuseum.org; Pazzaluna, pazzaluna.com

Somali Museum of Minnesota

Clients interested in learning about Minnesota’s Somali community—one of the largest Somali diaspora populations—will be fascinated by the Somali Museum of Minnesota on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. Founded by Osman Ali, the gallery showcases crafts, an authentic Aqal Soomaali (nomadic hut) and other artifacts, plus contemporary work by local Somali artists. Afterwards, dine on savory steak, tender goat, freshly baked breads and other Somali and Middle Eastern specialties at nearby Hamdi Restaurant, a fixture of the community for more than 25 years.
Somali Museum of Minnesota, somalimuseum.org; Hamdi Restaurant, hamdi-restaurant.com