Doors Open Minneapolis Offers Rare Look Inside City’s Iconic Buildings

This weekend, Minneapolis residents and visitors will have the chance to go behind-the-scenes at some of the city’s most iconic and interesting buildings through Doors Open Minneapolis.

The two-day event, happening May 18-19, provides free access to over 100 venues across Minneapolis that are normally off-limits or charge an entrance fee.

A Celebration of Architecture and History

Produced by the historic preservation non-profit Rethos, Doors Open Minneapolis allows people to explore theaters, sacred spaces, business hubs, sports complexes, private clubs, historical gems and even buildings not yet open to the public.

Building owners, architects and local historians will be on hand to provide unique insights and perspectives on the venues.

“Doors Open Minneapolis celebrates the buildings, people and businesses that are central to our city’s identity,” said Amanda Blasena, program manager at Rethos. “It’s a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and learn the stories behind some of Minneapolis’ most fascinating architectural treasures.”

Highlights Include Sports Venues and Industrial Icons

Some of the highlight venues include the Basilica of Saint Mary, Huntington Bank Stadium, the North Loop’s historic Ford Center manufacturing plant, Red Lake Nation College’s brand new downtown campus, and even the Target Plaza video display with over 650,000 LED lights. Free tours, activities for kids, and light refreshments will be offered at many of the locations.

Getting There with Free Transit

The event is presented in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit and many corporate sponsors.

To encourage transit use, Metro Transit is providing free ride passes that can be used for buses and trains during Doors Open hours.

An Architectural Adventure Awaits

A full list of participating venues, details on special activities, and advance registration for sites requiring tickets can be found at www.doorsopenminneapolis.org. The weekend promises to be an architectural adventure for residents and visitors alike.