The Somali Museum Dance Troupe
The Somali Museum Dance Troupe is a program of the Somali Museum, and brings together Somali-American youth to study dances from all regions of Somalia as a way to embrace and celebrate their roots. The Dance Troupe is made up of Somali-American youth who are committed to a deep study of their own cultural roots, and who offer excellent performances that can enhance any event.
Performance costs vary depending on location. On-site at the museum or other metro area location $900 per performance. Off-site outside of the metro area $1,200 per performance.
Traditional Finger
Weaving Classes
Using no loom or frame, Somali nomads weave mats by hand to cover their houses. Teachers Ardho Ismail, Amina Shire, Xalwo Duale and Hawa Aden teach hands-on, immersive classes for all ages; Somalis and non-Somalis.
Workshop costs vary depending on location. On-site at the museum or other metro area location $500 per class. Off-site outside of the metro area $700 per class.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Traveling Exhibit
The Somali Museum brings Somali culture to you with its Traveling Exhibit, a traveling exhibition of traditional Somali artworks. It includes two parts: 1. Exhibition of 10-20 artifacts from the Somali Museum’s permanent collection. The audience will be able to learn about the history, the use, and creation of certain artifacts from the exhibition.2. Question-and-answer exploration period, during which audiences can discuss and ask Somali Museum staff about individual pieces or anything pertaining to the Somali culture.
Exhibit costs vary depending on location. On-site at the museum or other metro area location $350 per exhibit. Off-site outside of the metro area $450 per exhibit.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
School Tours & Field Trips
The Somali Museum's mission emphasizes education. We see the wealth that young people access by discovering these artifacts, and we experience the power that grows in connecting generations together when young people ask questions about their heritage. We welcome and encourage groups from schools, religious life centers, and community organizations to schedule a special tour of the museum.
School tour and field trip costs vary depending on size of group. Please fill out the form below for more information.
Somali Culture 101
Immigrant populations in Minnesota must explore and craft the ways they will carry their culture forward as they build their community in the United States. The Somali Museum is your resource for educating yourself and training your colleagues about the rich heritage of Minnesota's Somali community. The Somali Culture 101 Lecture, can come in two different forms:
Somali Culture 101 taking place at the Somali Museum location: Groups will experience a guided tour of the museum, listen to a "Somali Culture 101" lecture, receive cultural training from an expert, where they can also ask questions about the Somali people and tradition.
Somali Culture 101 taking place at your organization: The Somali Museum will bring the collections to you accompanied with the Somali Culture 101 lecture where your professional groups and employee receive training focused on the aspects of Somali culture that influence life for Minnesotan-Somalis.
Class costs vary depending on location. On-site at the museum or other metro area location $450 per class. Off-site outside of the metro area $650 per class.
““All immigrants are artists. ...
Re-creating your entire life is a form of reinvention on par with the greatest works of literature.””