Next start dates

Aveda Arts Minneapolis

04/07/2025EsthiologyOpen »
04/07/2025CosmetologyOpen »
04/07/2025Massage TherapyOpen »
04/07/2025Advanced Esthetics (Esthiology)Open »

What are you waiting for?

Financial Aid for those who qualify

Take the first step in exploring all that the beauty industry has to offer!

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Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute
Minneapolis

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis holds a special place in our hearts, as the very first Aveda Institute was founded right here. We offer cosmetology, esthiology (esthetics), advanced esthetics, and massage therapy programs, all integrating Aveda’s signature plant-based products and superb hands-on training. 

about Aveda Arts Minneapolis—

We’re located at the edge of the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood just blocks away from Nicollet Island and a mile from University of Minnesota – Minneapolis campus. Our central location near the University and Central intersection has easy access to many parts of the city, including historic Main Street. 

As a student you’ll enjoy the ample off-street parking, or take the bus and get dropped off at the stop conveniently across the street from campus. There’s plenty nearby on foot as well. Breeze by Caribou or Brueggers Bagel’s for a breakfast treat on your way to class, or form stronger bonds with your new classmates during lunch at Chipotle, Punch Pizza, or Masu Robata. Lunds & Byerlys in the neighborhood makes it easy to swing by for groceries before heading home. 

At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, you’ll learn beauty surrounded by beauty. The institute occupies a beautifully restored historic brick building, the Cataract Lodge. Built in 1926 in late Gothic Revival style for the Masons, the building was purchased by Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher for the very first Aveda Institute. 

The five floors contain elegant marble staircases lined with original stained-glass windows, two incredible ballrooms, two retail spaces, and even a domed meditation room with ceiling crystals. A building that inspires sold-out architectural tours could be where you attend beauty school as the next step in your career. 

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why choose Aveda Arts Minneapolis—

At this flagship campus of Aveda Institutes, our students come for far more than just skillbuilding. The students at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis value our focus on wellness—both personal and environmental—and rituals rooted in ancient beauty practices that still resonate today with a modern twist. 

Beyond the classroom or clinic floor, students have the chance to participate in two fashion shows during the year: one for Breast Cancer Awareness and another—fittingly for the Aveda brand that walks the talk on environment sustainability—celebrating Earth Month. Our active community also proudly participates in Minneapolis’ annual Pride parade and fest. 

It’s not just our physical building that has history, either. The proof points of our program are our noteworthy alumni. Among our distinguished Aveda Minneapolis graduates are beauty pros who have made it to the pinnacle of their fields, including the celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness; David Wagner, founder and CEO of Juut Salonspa; and Janell Geason, global artistic director and educator for Aveda’s makeup division.

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programs offered—

choose your passion—

Our Minneapolis campus offers many program options, all led by a team of Aveda instructors who will match your passion in an incredible educational experience. 

Cosmetology

For students seeking a broad base of knowledge in hair, makeup, skincare, manicuring, business skills, and more, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis offers training in all aspects of cosmetology. We meet all state of Minnesota cosmetology standards, with the majority of training hours focused on hands-on work led by our experienced instructors. Our curriculum is delivered in true Aveda fashion, focusing on modern skills, Aveda products and techniques, and with a focus on you as a person, not as a number. 

Our Cosmetology program graduates are prepared to work in Aveda salons and other settings. Because of the broad range of skills covered in the curriculum, those who receive an Aveda cosmetology training go on to many different careers: Some become business owners and entrepreneurs. Others work in fashion or specialized makeup and hair fields. With an Aveda education, the sky’s the limit. 

Esthiology

Esthiology, also called esthetics or skincare, is a field with explosive growth in consumer demand. For those who care deeply about skin health and learning to provide a nurturing client experience, the Minneapolis campus’ Esthiology program may be a great fit. During your 600 hours of training, you’ll train to perform many facials, face and body waxes, and makeup applications using Aveda products and techniques emphasizing natural ingredients and wellness. 

Upon graduation, you’ll have all the fundamentals to work in any type of spa as an esthetician or to start your own esthetician business. Esthetics graduates can also become managers, wellness professionals, waxers, and more.

Esthiology / Advanced Practice Esthiology

For those who want a deep skillset to perform both basic and advanced skin services and therapies, the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis offers an exclusive Advanced Practice Esthiology program. This program does not require any prior experience with skincare. Students in the basic Esthiology program may also choose to transfer into the Advanced Practice Esthiology program and have their prior training hours recognized. 

Our industry-leading esthetician instructors teach you how to perform Hydrafacials, microneedling, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and chemical peels as well as electrical energy treatments. Graduates of this prestigious Advanced Practice Esthiology program are well-positioned to launch a career in traditional spas and salons as well as in medspas and clinical settings.

Massage Therapy

Our Massage Therapy program goes beyond the hands-on skills portion of massage to also teach business, wellness, and retail skills. You’ll use Aveda’s pure flower- and plant essence-based products to create our unique spa experience with Ayurvedic techniques. 

Many of our massage therapy graduates work in traditional massage therapy businesses. Others may specialize in fields like sports massage or wellness, or start their own massage businesses. 

Next start dates

Aveda Arts Minneapolis

04/07/2025EsthiologyOpen »
04/07/2025CosmetologyOpen »
04/07/2025Massage TherapyOpen »
04/07/2025Advanced Esthetics (Esthiology)Open »

What are you waiting for?

Financial Aid for those who qualify

Check out our
Minneapolis campus

Aveda Arts Minneapolis, founded in 1982, develops entrepreneurs in beauty while promoting personal well-being and environmental responsibility. Students learn from passionate instructors who help them master essential skills within a global community focused on excellence. The institute offers various career paths, making it an ideal starting point for a career with a recognized brand.

EVENTS, NEWs, & HAPPENINGS

Hydrodermabrasion service

HydroDermabrasion at Aveda Arts

About HydroDermabrasion HydroDermabrasion is a deep exfoliation treatment that cleans your pores, removing debris & allowing for better penetration of face serums to improves overall skin texture, tone & appearance. Available at our Dallas, Austin, Birmingham and Minneapolis (AP Esthetics) locations— coming soon to all Aveda Arts! HydroDermabrasion is a deep exfoliation treatment that cleans your […]

Aveda Arts on Campus

GET AHEAD: HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TOUR AT AVEDA ARTS

Congratulations on taking the first step in elevating your beauty career! You have set up a tour and now you’re ready to explore all Aveda Arts has to offer.   Here are some tips to help you prepare for your tour day:  Bring your best self!  This is an opportunity to show us why you want […]

MEET YOUR DREAM MAKERS

A little section about the team in Minneapolis as a whole.

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visit us—

400 Central Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

get in touch—

admissions team on campus—

Monday : 9AM – 7PM
Tuesday: 9AM – 7PM
Wednesday: 9AM – 7PM
Thursday: 9AM – 7PM
Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
Sunday: Closed

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