Carnegie Art Center

In 1901 the city of Mankato was awarded a grant of $40,000 from Andrew Carnegie to build a public library. From 1903–1977 the Carnegie Library served Mankato and the surrounding area as its free public library. The building is also referenced in the Maud Hart Lovelace book “Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown.” In 1979 the Mankato Area Arts Council purchased the building from the City of Mankato. For several years the building was home to a performance education organization, Cherry Creek Theater, and served as office space for several other nonprofit arts organizations. 

 The Carnegie Art Center – as it is referred to today – is committed to nurturing arts and culture in the Southern Minnesota Area through an exhibition program – operating three galleries – a gift shop offering works for sale by local and regional artists, art classes for participants of all ages, a live music series - featuring diverse Minnesota-based artists - and the rental of private studio spaces.