Lynn Chadwick
Two Watchers V (Second Version), 1967
The Cafesjian Art Trust
The Cafesjian Art Trust was established by Gerard Cafesjian to share his collection of Contemporary and Modern art with the public.
Our mission is to provide an aesthetic and educational experience through our collection for the benefit of the public.
Lynn Chadwick
Two Watchers V (Second Version), 1967
Our collection
Founder Gerard L. Cafesjian’s passion for Contemporary art—in particular, the medium of glass—inspired him to assemble one of the most extensive and finest collections of Contemporary glass sculpture in the world. Masterworks by well-known Modern and Contemporary artists such as Victor Vasarely, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Arshile Gorky and many others are also represented in the collection.
Our collection
Founder Gerard L. Cafesjian’s passion for Contemporary art—in particular, the medium of glass—inspired him to assemble one of the most extensive and finest collections of Contemporary glass sculpture in the world. Masterworks by well-known Modern and Contemporary artists such as Victor Vasarely, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Arshile Gorky and many others are also represented in the collection.
Our collection
Founder Gerard L. Cafesjian’s passion for Contemporary art—in particular, the medium of glass—inspired him to assemble one of the most extensive and finest collections of Contemporary glass sculpture in the world. Masterworks by well-known Modern and Contemporary artists such as Victor Vasarely, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Arshile Gorky and many others are also represented in the collection.
Jerry Rudquist
Portrait of Gerard L. Cafesjian, 2000
The founder
Gerard L. Cafesjian was a businessman and a philanthropist. In addition to establishing several charitable foundations, in 1988 he joined an effort to save a 1914 merry-go-round that had spun at the Minnesota State Fairground for 75 years. He contributed several million dollars to save the 68-horse carousel from being broken up and auctioned off and to re-open the carousel which now bears his name on a pavilion in Como Park. Mr. Cafesjian had a passion for art that consumed his life for more than six decades.
Jerry Rudquist
Portrait of Gerard L. Cafesjian, 2000
The founder
Gerard L. Cafesjian was a businessman and a philanthropist. In addition to establishing several charitable foundations, in 1988 he joined an effort to save a 1914 merry-go-round that had spun at the Minnesota State Fairground for 75 years. He contributed several million dollars to save the 68-horse carousel from being broken up and auctioned off and to re-open the carousel which now bears his name on a pavilion in Como Park. Mr. Cafesjian had a passion for art that consumed his life for more than six decades.
Jerry Rudquist
Portrait of Gerard L. Cafesjian, 2000
The founder
Gerard L. Cafesjian was a businessman and a philanthropist. In addition to establishing several charitable foundations, in 1988 he joined an effort to save a 1914 merry-go-round that had spun at the Minnesota State Fairground for 75 years. He contributed several million dollars to save the 68-horse carousel from being broken up and auctioned off and to re-open the carousel which now bears his name on a pavilion in Como Park. Mr. Cafesjian had a passion for art that consumed his life for more than six decades.
Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1925 to immigrant Armenian parents, he served in the U.S. Navy and later went to school on the G.I. Bill, graduating from St. John’s University School of Law. In 1952, he began a long career with West Publishing Company, the world’s largest publisher of legal information. As vice president of marketing and sales and eventually as a member of the board, he initiated a nationally recognized annual art exhibition called “Art and the Law” for which he received the prestigious Business in the Arts Award. Upon his retirement, he founded the Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan, Armenia. Upon the final settlement of his estate, the Cafesjian Art Trust was created. Mr. Cafesjian’s love of color, light, and form and his wonderful sense of whimsy are personified in his wide-ranging collection. It was his desire this collection, which gave him so much pleasure during his lifetime, be shared with the public.
Our Building
The building that houses the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum is one of a kind. Architecture firm Mohagen Hansen transformed this former engineering firm into a world-class art museum. The most striking features are the blue glass facade and oval-shaped library.
Our building was given a Top Project Award of 2022 by Minnesota’s Finance & Commerce.
Our Building
The building that houses the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum is one of a kind. Architecture firm Mohagen Hansen transformed this former engineering firm into a world-class art museum. The most striking features are the blue glass facade and oval-shaped library.
Our building was given a Top Project Award of 2022 by Minnesota’s Finance & Commerce.
Our Building
The building that houses the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum is one of a kind. Architecture firm Mohagen Hansen transformed this former engineering firm into a world-class art museum. The most striking features are the blue glass facade and oval-shaped library.
Our building was given a Top Project Award of 2022 by Minnesota’s Finance & Commerce.
VISIT US
The Cafesjian Art Trust is free and open to the public for guided tours only. Reservations are required. Both individuals and groups are encouraged to visit. Click below to make your tour reservation.
Tours
Thursday–Friday 10:00am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm
Saturday 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm
Cafesjian Art Trust
4600 Churchill Street
Shoreview, MN, 55126
VISIT US
The Cafesjian Art Trust is free and open to the public for guided tours only. Reservations are required. Both individuals and groups are encouraged to visit. Click below to make your tour reservation.
Tours
Thursday–Friday 10:00am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm
Saturday 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm
Cafesjian Art Trust
4600 Churchill Street
Shoreview, MN, 55126
VISIT US
The Cafesjian Art Trust is free and open to the public for guided tours only. Reservations are required. Both individuals and groups are encouraged to visit. Click below to make your tour reservation.
Hours
Thursday – Saturday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cafesjian Art Trust
4600 Churchill Street
Shoreview, MN, 55126
Our leadership
KATHIE CAFESJIAN BARADARAN
President & CEO
FAQ
For more information about the CAT, please visit our FAQ page or contact us directly at 612.359.8991 or info@cafesjianarttrust.org.
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Support the CAT
Your contributions will help us provide free tours and programs for the Twin Cities’ community.
Support the CAT
Your contributions will help us provide free tours and programs for the Twin Cities’ community.
Support the CAT
Your contributions will help us provide free tours and programs for the Twin Cities’ community.
Support the CAT
Your contributions will help us provide free tours and programs for the Twin Cities’ community.