I can't wait to hear if you give him a second chance and how it goes.
I'm the queen of rationalizing, so here goes. Does he dislike art? or is his aesthetic about function? Two very different ideas to me. Someone who can't appreciate beauty would trouble me. Someone who has a different opinion about the ingredients of beauty would be another thing entirely. I'm curious which camp he's in.
I have a feeling that his comments about art are really comments on some issues he's working through with himself. Coming out of a divorce, living with parents (even if not currently) he's probably working through some self worth junk. His need to be about form over function, his need to be a provider, his need to be able to survive in the woods. I'm not sure if that pov makes him more or less appealing in my eyes.
Instead of challenging him to the art museum, what about either a hike to some beautiful natural spot? See if he can appreciate the beauty or if he just talks about his heart rate and air quality. Or some type of music event. I notice music is the one type of art that even those who are turned off by "art" are still drawn to. Can he be moved by music?
good luck with whatever you decide!