Rolling Stones' Jagger and Watts 'very chatty' on tour of Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts proved they're men of wealth and taste as they killed time before the Rolling Stones' concert Wednesday at TCF Bank Stadium.

The Stones singer and drummer were escorted around the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Tuesday afternoon by the museum's painting curator, Patrick Noon.

"They were especially interested in the museum's collection of American folk-art furniture" — which Jagger apparently collects — "and they loved the period rooms," said Emma Bauer, the MIA's audience engagement coordinator. "They toured the Tudor room, the French salon, and really liked the Duluth room," a late-19th-century room designed by Minneapolis decorator John Bradstreet in Asian-influenced style.

"They're the coolest people I've ever seen," Bauer said, praising their outfits as "so on-point. Mick was wearing a pin-striped blazer and fashion sneakers. [They] were very chatty. I have really curly red hair and [Watts] called me Curly. When they left, he joked, 'I don't have anything in my pockets. I'm clean. But I wish I could have taken one of those teacups.' " — a reference to some 19th century cups on display outside the period rooms.

On Monday, Jagger browsed the shelves at Laurie Booksellers in Minneapolis' North Loop. He was "relaxed, bright, engaging, self-deprecating," according to co-owner James Laurie, who said the rock legend spent about an hour shopping for gifts for friends. At one point, he picked up something in Italian and gave it a read.

"He never pushed who he was," Laurie said. The store has had its share of big names drop in — Matt Dillon, Katie Couric, Keanu Reeves — but Laurie broke his rule and asked for Jagger to pose for a photo. No, he didn't request an autograph, and neither did any of the patrons inside at the time.

"I would have discouraged that," Laurie said.

As Jagger left, the merchant recalled, "he said 'Think dry' since rain is forecast for his concert on Wednesday evening."