Arts & Culture

Marquette's arts and culture scene rivals its natural beauty. With fine art exhibits, local museums, symphony orchestras, and a rich iron ore history, there's much to explore. Attend an art show on the lakeshore or dive into maritime history for unforgettable experiences in the U.P.

Discover Marquette's Art Scene

Marquette Arts and Culture Center is the heartbeat of arts and culture in the region. The center provides workshops, art exhibitions, community art projects, performance events, meeting spaces for arts organizations, an arts calendar, and coordination of national and local heritage festivals. 

Devos Art Museum on the campus of Northern Michigan University exhibits rotating works of art. The museum’s permanent collection of over 1,500 objects has been collected over the past three decades and has grown to achieve an impressive range of holdings.

Immerse yourself in Marquette's art scene with the MQT Art Tour, a seasonal celebration of creativity in Marquette, MI. On May 25 and October 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., galleries, studios and creative spaces across Marquette come together for a series of exciting events, forming an art crawl for art enthusiasts to explore. 

Inspired by Portland, Oregon's art walk, the MQT Art Tour was established to strengthen the local art community, foster collaboration among creatives and celebrate artists in Marquette. Attendees can pick up a guided map of locations at Travel Marquette, the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Office at Peter White Public Library or participating art locations. To access a digital version of the art tour map or to learn more, visit www.mqtcompass.com/mqtarttour 

Made in Marquette

Explore the world of creativity in the U.P. through our "Made in Marquette" artist series. More episodes coming soon!

Explore Marquette's Art District

ATTEND LOCAL ART EVENTS 

Marquette Art Week is a vibrant celebration of our city's creativity, showcasing the amazing local artists who call Marquette home. From captivating performances to immersive installations, engaging workshops, and more, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Held on the shores of Lake Superior, Art on the Rocks is one of the most popular events of the year. It's a juried art show featuring fine art, pottery, photography, and painting from talented local and regional artists. While you're here, check out Outback Art Fair down on Lakeshore for more to explore.

Explore Local Cultural Experiences

DISCOVER THE PAST AT MARQUETTE MUSEUMS 

Learn the storied maritime history of the region at Marquette Maritime Museum. Tour exhibits, including the famed Edmund Fitzgerald Shipwreck. The Marquette Maritime Museum also has one of the best collections of lighthouse lenses anywhere in the Great Lakes.

Take a trip through U.P. history at the Marquette Regional History Museum. From artifacts left by people who left their first footprints here over 11,000 years ago when the glaciers melted to authentic Ojibwe wigwam and one-of-a-kind birch bark canoes to Yooper innovation and traditions.

Explore the rugged Iron Range along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, where remnants of the region's rich mining past can be found among the beautiful natural landscapes. The trail traverses lush forests, historic mining sites, and scenic bodies of water. Whether hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the scenery, the IOHT offers an immersive experience through Marquette County's past and present.

Nearby cultural attractions

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