In 2009, the Hanzehogeschool Groningen (Groningen University of Applied Science) acquired the former Groninger Museum / Museum of Natural History for Minerva Academy of Art. As such, art has returned to the monumental museum building on the Praediniussingel.
During the 2010-2011 academic year, the Hanzehogeschool restored the visually dominant listed building to its former glory. With this, the monumental wealth of the museum has again become fully evident. From September 2011 onward, Academie Minerva on the Praediniussingel will combine educational and working areas with public functions that harmonize with the history of the premises, thus reviving the rich tradition of the building. Moreover, Groningen has been able to retain a publicly accessible monument. In conjunction with this building, the existing Minerva building on the Gedempte Zuiderdiep and the Academy of Building on the Zuiderkuipen will form an ‘arts triangle’ within which a natural public space for cultural activities will arise. This new cultural quarter will support the links to the museum quarter and the museum route.
Academie Minerva officially opened the premises on the Praediniussingel in September 2011. The building also accommodates the Frank Mohr International Masters Institute, the Knowledge Centre for Art and Society, and the Projectbureau/AMP. Furthermore, there is an abundant scope for exhibitions, master classes and other public activities.