The city of Minneapolis has announced plans to invest around US$500m (£264m, 387m euros) in new art facilities at five cultural institutions in the city over the next 18 months.

Among the institutions to benefit from the art facelift are the Walker Art Center (WAC) and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA).

The WAC’s new cube-like extension – designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron – includes new galleries, a refurbished cinema, two restaurants, a new shop and library and a theater.

The new galleries are due to open to the public on 17 April.

Meanwhile, refurbishment plans at the MIA will see its gallery space double by 2006. The expansion will include new classrooms, research facilities and public spaces added to existing facilities