MNAPABA has admission vouchers and 2 for 1 admission passes to the Beyond Bollywood Exhibition at the Minnesota History Center. The Exhibition is on view through July 10, 2016. 

In Minnesota, Indian Americans number just over 40,000, making them Minnesota’s second-largest Asian population, after Hmong Americans. Move past the pop-culture stereotypes of saris, turbans and temples to unveil the deeper story of Indian Americans — from daily experiences to their vital contributions to American life. The exhibit includes artifacts, oral histories, and reflections from Minnesota’s own Indian American community.

Beyond Bollywood tells the story of Indian Americans through three lenses:

History and Arrival

Indians aren’t newcomers to Minnesota. Students from India began attending our universities around 1900. Some of India’s brightest minds brought their history, religion and culture to Minnesota in the 1890s and 1920s. But biased immigration laws kept the number of Indians here small.

In the 1960s, everything changed. New laws opened the door to Indians with sought-after skills in medicine, science, technology, and other fields. Some new Minnesotans came here directly from India. Others arrived via Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, or England. Whatever their immigration path, Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing groups in Minnesota.

Community and Culture

Countless dancers, painters, sculptors, playwrights, actors, musicians, writers, and other artists with Indian roots call Minnesota home. Why? Enthusiastic audiences. Generous support from local foundations and other funders. A supportive arts community that encourages risk-taking and collaboration.

In the 1970s, Indian Minnesotans founded sports teams, launched language schools, and started temples, mosques and gudwara (Sikh places of worship). Entrepreneurs opened restaurants and stores selling Indian goods. New organizations advocated for community interests, and brought people together from different parts of India. Minnesota now felt more like home.

Contributions

Whether they were born here, came as immigrants, or live here for school or work, Indians and Indian Americans influence our state’s culture and economy. In turn, Minnesota offers opportunities and a quality of life hard to find elsewhere.

Indian Minnesotans are innovators in education, science, medicine, and technology, but they also excel in many other fields. Artists with Indian roots help inspire our culture and imagine new worlds. Indian American entrepreneurs generate new ideas and construct useful products. Others improve Minnesota by working in media, government, and nonprofits.

MN HISTORY CENTER

345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul,  MN 55102
Directions

MUSEUM HOURS

Tue 10 am-8 pm
Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm
Sun Noon-5 pm 
Closed Monday (Open Monday holidays year round)
Museum Holiday Hours

LIBRARY HOURS

Tue 9 am-8 pm
Wed-Sat 9 am-4 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Library Holiday Hours

ADMISSION

• $12 adults
• $10 seniors and college students w/ID
• $10 active military w/ID
• $6 children ages 5-17
• Free Tuesdays 3-8 pm
• Free for children age 4 and under and MNHS members
• Museums on Us: One free admission for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch card holders the first full weekend of every month. Bring your card and picture ID.
• Free to visit the library