A coalition of museums in the Twin Cities declared their participation in an “economic blackout” strike on Friday, a reaction to President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, as conveyed through their social media announcements.
A total of eight museums, along with numerous local businesses, including cafes and restaurants, planned to shut down operations. Organizers promoted this as a “statewide shutdown,” encouraging people to refrain from work, school, and shopping.
A protest aimed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was slated for Friday in downtown Minneapolis, kicking off at 2 p.m.
ICE has been contacted for commentary on this situation. Previously, the agency stated its enforcement measures target individuals in the U.S. illegally who might pose risks to public safety or national security.
The Science Museum of Minnesota shared on Instagram, “In solidarity with our immigrant community, the museum will be closed on Friday, January 23rd, to allow for action, reflection, rest, and safety. We will resume normal hours on Saturday.”
The Museum of St. Paul, a nonprofit organization, highlighted its interactive exhibits but also expressed solidarity with the cause. “We want to stand in solidarity by closing this Friday,” they stated.
The Minnesota Museum of Art issued a closure notice for January 23, emphasizing the well-being of their staff and the importance of community. The museum’s message on Facebook invited everyone to return on weekends for free admission, fostering a space for rest and inspiration.
“During these tumultuous times, it’s essential for institutions to uphold our shared humanity,” remarked Kate Bean, executive director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art.
The Bakken Museum echoed this sentiment, announcing its closure for the same day and resuming regular hours on Saturday, January 24th.
Similarly, the Children’s Museum of Minnesota notified visitors on Instagram of its impending closure. Their post remarked, “We stand in solidarity with our community and staff in support of justice, kindness, and human dignity.” They expressed eagerness to welcome back families when regular hours resume on Saturday.
The American Swedish Institute (ASI) also announced it would be closing, reiterating its commitment to celebrating and advocating for immigrants over the last century.
While the Russian Museum and Wiseman Museum confirmed their closure, they did not explicitly state their support for the strike. The Minnesota Maritime Museum cited an “extreme cold warning” for Winona County as the reason for its closure, which seemed somewhat unrelated to the broader protest.
