About the Museum
As a non-profit organization, the Minnesota Museum of American Pattern Glass was started in 2011, opened in October 2013 and is dedicated to preserving and providing free public access to one of the largest collections of decorated American pattern glass in the United States. The collection primarily spans the years from the 1880's to the 1920's. It is envisioned that students, collectors, artists and persons with an appreciation of American industrialization will be able to benefit from the Museum's collection, information and presentations.
The glass displayed at the Museum was originally made by a myriad of U.S. glass companies for purchase by people of modest means instead of the more expensive cut glass that only the wealthy could afford. Although affordable for most Americans, the beautiful glass held a special place in the household and was often displayed and used for special occasions.
