Throughout history, Benedictines have created, nurtured, preserved and shared the visual arts, architecture and music. It is their way of spreading the Good News that God is the ultimate beauty the human heart seeks. The Art and Heritage Place opened in the fall of 2000 to share the rich history and art of the Sisters. This beautiful building is home to Whitby Gift Shop and Gallery, the Haehn Museum and Exhibit Hall. The Artisan Studios, where beauty is created and nurtured, is adjacent to the Art and Heritage Place.
The gift shop invites the public to view and purchase works of art created by the Sisters and other local artists. A gallery area within the gift shop, highlights creative works as part of four art shows annually.
Visitors may be delighted in the beauty of these creations while experiencing Benedictine hospitality. A plentiful selection of Sisters’ works and those of local artists may be viewed here and ordered on-line.
Regular hours:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
For more information, call 320-363-7113 or 320-363-7100.
The museum is home to nearly 4,000 artifacts, dating back to 1857, which document the lives and ministries of the Sisters of Saint Benedict. Exhibits capture and portray the strong cultural, social and religious influence the Benedictine Sisters have had in their ministries locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, both past and present.
Since the museum’s opening in 2000, there have been 10 exhibits, including
- the history of the monastery since the Sisters’ arrival in Minnesota in 1857
- Liturgical vestments and needlework of the Sisters (four-rotating exhibits)
- Saint Benedict’s Academy and the College of Saint Benedict, both of which the Sisters founded
- American Indian cultures of northern Minnesota reservations of Red Lake, White Earth and Mille Lacs, where the Sisters have lived and worked since the 1880s
- the work of Sister Inez Hilger, OSB, renowned anthropologist
- Coming in 2007: A special exhibit to honor the sesquicentennial year (150th) of Saint Benedict’s Monastery
School groups, college classes, adult groups, organizations and individuals are welcome.
Regular hours:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Visits outside regular hours are arranged as requested.
For more information, call 320-363-7098 or 320-363-7100
creative process is fostered in the Artisan Studios, located adjacent to the Art and Heritage Place. This renovated carpenter shop provides some of the artists with space to create beauty to share with others, and package their works for sale. The presence of many artisans in one area fosters a sense of community.
Occasionally the space is open for the public to use for special events.