[3][4] In December 1889, the school found a more permanent home on the top floor of the just-finished Minneapolis Public Library at 10th Street and Hennepin Avenue.

In 1893, noted German-born painter and educator Robert Koehler (1850–1917) moved from New York to Minnesota to become president of the school.

By the turn of the century, the school had two instructors and had instituted a summer term, in addition to night classes for people in the community.

The 10-acre (4 ha) site for the art museum and school was donated to the City of Minneapolis in 1911 by prominent local banker and businessman Clinton Morrison (1842–1913).

[3] On July 1, 1988, MCAD became a wholly independent institution, no longer governed by the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts.

The college hosts contemporary art and design exhibitions, receptions, artist talks, and other events that are free and open to the public.