How It Works

Inside the Museum Without Walls

A new kind of museum — built on location, unlocked by your presence, experienced in the real world.

Overview

What Is The Museum Without Walls?

An innovative, location-based experience that brings Minnesota's history to life — right where it happened. Unlike traditional museums confined to buildings, our exhibits exist outdoors at the actual sites of historical events. Open the map on your smartphone, travel to the site, and history unlocks beneath your feet.

Step by Step

How It Works

Your smartphone's GPS guides you to historical locations and unlocks immersive audio content when you arrive. No app to download — just open, explore, and listen.

1

Open the Web App

Visit our website and tap the link to open the Museum Without Walls web app on your smartphone. No download or account required.

2

Navigate the Map

An interactive map shows your location alongside historical markers across Minnesota. Pinch, pan, and zoom to discover sites near you.

3

Find a Location

Tap any marker to see a summary of the site. Use the directions button to open your preferred navigation app and head there.

4

Experience the History

Once you're within 20 feet of the site, the exhibit opens automatically. Press play to hear the audio tour guide bring the story to life.

5

Explore More Sites

Return to the map and keep going. Each site is a different chapter — Minnesota's history runs deeper than any single stop.

Museum Without Walls app interface showing map with location markers

The Museum Without Walls map interface

Key Features

Built for the field, not the building.

Location-Based Experience

Exhibits exist at the exact locations where history happened — creating a more authentic and immersive experience than any gallery wall could offer.

Audio Guides

AI-powered narration brings history to life through engaging storytelling the moment you arrive at each location.

Always Open

Visit historical sites on your own schedule — the digital museum is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in any weather.

Before You Go

Tips for the Best Experience

  • Charge your device — Make sure your smartphone has enough battery for your exploration before heading out.
  • Use headphones — For the best audio experience, especially in busy or outdoor environments.
  • Enable location services — The app needs your GPS to unlock exhibits and show your position on the map.
  • Plan your visits — Check the map beforehand to find clusters of sites you can explore in a single trip.
  • Share your experience — Take photos and share your Museum Without Walls journey using #MinnesotaThen.