Panel Wants to Move Criticized Paintings at State Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A panel overseeing renovation of Minnesota's Capitol is moving to relocate two controversial paintings with depictions of Native Americans that some have deemed offensive.

MPR News reports that the paintings, "Father Hennepin at the Falls of St. Anthony" and "The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux," have been criticized for inaccurately portraying historical events. They've been displayed for years in the governor's reception room, but a panel of the Capitol Preservation Committee reviewing art at the Capitol released a report Monday saying they should be moved.

The panel recommends relocating the paintings to another spot within the Capitol, but doesn't suggest new locations. There aren't any recommendations for replacement art.

The panel wrote in its report that it consulted with tribal leaders on the matter as part of its research.

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