Arts and Culture

City Center Mankato offers excellent opportunities to experience the arts and culture of southern Minnesota. From public art tours and festivals, to the performing arts, including music, dance and theatre, City Center Mankato is a great place to enjoy the arts year-round!

Mankato is proud to host the professional regional Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO), which has a strong reputation in the classical music community for excellence in orchestral and choral music.  MSO offers a full season of classical music.  The Mayo Clinic Health Systems Event Center and Vetter Stone Ampitheater host pop, rock, country, hip hop and other top national and regional performers.  See local and up-and-coming artists on smaller stages like that at The Coffee Hag.

Experience live theatre with Merely Players and Mankato Playhouse.

Gallery exhibits can be viewed at The Carnegie Art Center, Emy Frentz Arts Guild Gallery and The 410 Project.

Go at your own pace and discover a variety of public art tours including the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour in Mankato and North Mankato, SiloArt, CityArt On the Go, WordWalk, Poetry Walk and Ride and the Public Art Tour.  Each tour offers a unique glimpse into the history of Mankato and what makes this area great, while showcasing local, national and international artists.

Enhance your experience of the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, CityArt On the Go and the Poetry Walk and Ride with the use of OnCell Audio Tours. Scan the QR code or simply dial in using the phone number listed on the plaques and signs along the various tours. Look for the Greater Mankato On the Move Mobile Tour logo.