A wave of silence descended upon the Twin Cities’ cultural landscape Friday, as multiple museums joined a coordinated “economic blackout.” The action, a powerful demonstration of solidarity, stemmed from deep concern over current immigration enforcement policies.
Eight museums, alongside a diverse array of local businesses – from bustling restaurants to cozy coffee shops – deliberately shuttered their doors. Organizers envisioned a “statewide shutdown,” a day dedicated to “no work, no school, no shopping,” amplifying the voices of those impacted by recent policies.
The Science Museum of Minnesota articulated the sentiment resonating throughout the participating institutions. Their message, shared widely, emphasized a need for “action, reflection, rest and safety” for the immigrant community, promising a return to regular hours Saturday.
The Minnesota Museum of American Art framed their closure as an opportunity for “staff community service and well-being.” They reaffirmed their commitment to the communities they serve, offering free admission and a welcoming space for all upon reopening.
Kate Beane, the museum’s executive director, powerfully stated the urgency of the moment. She emphasized the vital importance of institutions upholding “our shared humanity” amidst a period of significant unrest and uncertainty.
The Bakken Museum echoed this sentiment, highlighting their deep connection to the community and their desire to stand in solidarity. Their closure was a deliberate act of support, with plans to resume normal operations the following day.
Even spaces designed for the youngest citizens joined the movement. The Minnesota Children’s Museum, a beacon of “joy, inclusion and togetherness,” announced its temporary closure, anticipating a joyful reopening on Saturday.
The American Swedish Institute, with a century-long history of celebrating immigration, issued a firm statement of support. They affirmed their unwavering commitment to the Twin Cities and Minnesota’s immigrant communities.
The Museum of Russian Art and the Weisman Art Museum also closed their doors on Friday, signaling their alignment with the day’s purpose, though without explicitly referencing the strike.
One museum, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, cited a different reason for its closure – an “extreme cold warning” in Winona County. However, the broader impact remained: a day of collective pause and powerful, silent protest across the Twin Cities.
