Exhibits

Our Home

“Our Home” is a poignant exploration of the Hmong journey, tracing the community's evolution from life in Laos and the hardships of the Secret War to the present day. This collection bridges history and hope, capturing the enduring spirit of a people as they look toward a bright and collective future. Join us in honoring the stories that define where we’ve been and where we are going together.

Story Mapping Project

The Hmong Museum is launching a community-led StoryMapping project to digitally preserve historically significant Hmong locations across Minnesota and beyond. Through community workshops and elder outreach, this project ensures our collective journey is mapped and remembered for generations to come.

Changing Times

Changing Times is an interactive exhibit developed by Hmong Museum that connects people of today with Hmong practices of yesteryears by showcasing cultural evolution in oral storytelling, communication, bamboo weaving, language and sounds, and spiritual blessings. Our cultural practices connect us across time and place, even as we energize them through new influences.

Ua Qoob Ua Loo

Ua Qoob Ua Loo is a family-friendly interactive exhibit that celebrates the enduring bond between the Hmong people and the land. From the vibrant stalls of Minnesota’s farmers' markets to the peaceful backyard gardens of elders, this collection explores how farming traditions shape Hmong social life and identity. Discover how generational knowledge and the simple joy of cultivation continue to bring peace and sustenance to our community.

Matriarchal Legacy celebrates Hmong women as the ultimate culture bearers, transforming raw hemp into vibrant textiles through a time-consuming, multi-step ancestral process. In collaboration with RedGreen Rivers, this exhibit showcases how traditional weaving and dyeing serve as both functional art and a profound expression of spiritual belief. By honoring these intricate handmade practices, we preserve the ingenuity of matriarchal artisans against the tide of mass production.

From documenting his siblings with a vintage camcorder to capturing the 40th anniversary of Hmong in Minnesota, Shia Yang uses digital rangefinder photography to preserve the intricate narratives of everyday life. Through these portraits, Yang invites us to explore our own family histories and ensure our heritage is never forgotten by future generations.

The “Veterans Voices: The Secret War” project honors the incredible sacrifice of the Hmong soldiers who served as surrogate forces for the U.S. during the Vietnam War era. This collection documents the harrowing journey from the clandestine battlefields of Laos to the resilience of the 350,000 Hmong individuals living in the United States today. Discover the untold stories of the brave men and women who defended American interests and redefined the meaning of survival.

The Digital Zine captures the raw and resilient Hmong American experience during the challenges of the last two years. Through words, art, and video, it documents the journey from the trauma of COVID-19 and rising anti-Asian hate to the powerful unity of a community taking action. Witness how the Hmong community turned fear into empowerment by lifting voices and marching together for change.

The Hmong Museum, in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, explores the deep, evolving relationship between the Hmong community and water. This storytelling project traces our journey from water as a site of survival and trauma to a place of joy and communal gathering. Discover how these fluid histories continue to shape our cultural identity today.

Dancing While Hmong features a unique partnership with MN Dance & the Ecstasies of Influences. This collaboration spotlights the powerful stories of dance practitioners and organizers from Minnesota’s vibrant immigrant and refugee communities. Experience how movement becomes a vessel for cultural expression and shared history.

This collection honors the pioneering Hmong women who navigated the Secret War, transforming from survivors into leaders and protectors of their families. By overcoming shifting gender dynamics and the challenges of resettlement, these women paved a new path for future generations in America. Their courageous stories serve as a vital tribute to their enduring contributions to both Hmong and American history.

Through the Partners in Action initiative, Hmong elders are transforming everyday traditions like Paj Ntaub and bamboo weaving into celebrated museum masterpieces. This collaboration honors the expert craftsmanship once born of necessity, ensuring these intricate skills are preserved and shared with the public. More than just objects, each piece tells a powerful story of resilience, heritage, and the artistic soul of a community.

Like most refugee and immigrant communities, the Hmong American community continues to experience generational gaps. Often times, Hmong youth may not understand how their parents’ or grandparents’ stories are relevant to their lives. While Hmong elders feel that the young are not listening, making them feel invisible and disrespected.

Modern tattoos are becoming a powerful way for the Hmong diaspora to reconnect with their roots and reclaim their heritage. This collection features striking portraits of individuals who use traditional textile patterns to permanently honor their history. Explore the deep connection between Hmong identity, ancestral designs, and the environments that shape them.

Launched in 2016, the Hmong Chronicles series bridges the gap between generations by pairing elders with contemporary artists. This unique collaboration transforms ancient oral traditions into vibrant live performances and films. Discover how the next generation is reimagining heritage through their own creative lens.