Culture of Minneapolis. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Minneapolis is a modern city of ultimate beauty attracting tourists with its cultural landmarks and sights and plenty of entertaining centers. Among cultural landmarks of the city the most remarkable spot is the Guthrie Theater which inherited its name from its establisher being a well known stage manager. The history of the theater establishment is rather original and exciting. Its opening was held in 1963. In 2006 the theater moved to a new modern building. The theater is known to the dramatic art fans from all over the world.

The Walker Art Center is a distinguished cultural establishment. It is set in a beautiful modern building of original architectural form. The center presents masterpieces and creations of modern artists. The center is an established place for holding different exhibitions presenting artworks of amateur artists, photographers and sculptors. The visitors of the center may not only enjoy the majesty and glory of the presented works of art, but to purchase any desired showpiece.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts will be of great interest for painting art admirers. Its walls keep inestimable collection of paintings of different epochs. During the excursion the visitors will have an opportunity to observe truly unique showpieces. The Mill City Museum tells the guests of the city about the history of Minneapolis. Its unusual name originates from the second informal name of the city being Mill City. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Skyscrapers are remarkable tourist spots of the city as well. The Capella Tower skyscraper can justly be called the most beautiful one. Its height is 237m. The building features elegant glass frontage which reflects all the colors of rainbow in the bright sunlight. The Mall of America shopping center is another remarkable landmark of modern architectural design. A huge building, designed to a unique plan, will be of great interest not only for entertainment fans but for modern architectural art admirers.

The twin city of Minneapolis being Saint Paul can boast plenty of landmarks and sights as well. Its guests should necessarily visit the Minnesota State Capitol being a genuine masterpiece of architectural art and the most remarkable historical landmark. The city offers the Science Museum of Minnesota for visit being a perfect place for a family visit. The city also offers numerous religious objects as St. Paul's Cathedral.

Minneapolis can also boast religious landmarks. For example, the Basilica of Saint Mary built in 1914 is a great example of a mix of classicism and the Renaissance. The holy place is remarkable because it’s the first church in the United States called a basilica. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is another religious monument worthy of attention. Erected in 1857, it’s the oldest church in Minneapolis. As for architectural styles, the Greek Revival mixed with Gothic Revival was used in the design of the church.

Original and neat—those are the words coming to mind when the Weisman Art Museum is mentioned. It’s a great example of deconstructivism. Those familiar with deconstructivism guru Frank Gehry’s architectural work will definitely recognize his style. The architect created the construction in 1993. The museum’s collection includes over 25,000 artworks by American artists—including Marsden Hartley, Charles Biederman. There are also lots of other interesting museums in the city where you can learn about the local culture and history.

The Hennepin History Museum is one of such museums. The history of local citizens’ ancestors is demonstrated through historic exhibits (most of which are household items). The building also hosts interesting events. Modern art aficionados should definitely visit the Norway House, where temporary themed exhibitions are held, and Museum Louvre It or Leave It with a permanent exhibition of sculptures and works of fine arts. The Hennepin Overland Railway Historical Society, a wonderful cultural institution with miniature train models of different kinds, will let you feel as if you were a child again. Coin collectors will be thrilled about the Wells Fargo History Museum dedicated to the history of the famous American financial brand.

Interestingly, Bob Dylan has relation to Minneapolis. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and played in folk bands as a student performing on local stages several times. Walking along South 5th Street, you can see the Bob Dylan Mural, a graffiti by famous graffitist Eduardo Kobra, who painted impressive pictures of the American musician and singer. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is another interesting place that is worth walking around. As the name clearly states, the main landmark of the park is its sculptures. The park was created by landscape designers Quinnel and Rothschild and architect Edward Larrabee Barnes.

Those who want to admire real nature rather than man-made sites should take a promenade around the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway park area consisting of over 80 km of green landscapes. It can be considered the major attraction of the city. The main part of the huge park area was built in the 1930s as part of a natural resource preservation project. The park area includes Minnehaha Park, the Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth Park, Minnehaha Falls as well as Mississippi Mile. Minneapolis is also famous for its footbridges (the Minneapolis Skyway System) which connect buildings in 69 central city districts. While it’s simply a necessity for a city with a harshly continental climate, tourists visiting the city consider the bridges to be a real landmark.

Lakewood Cemetery is another remarkable place in Minneapolis. It is famous for its chapel modeled after Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Besides, tombstones and vaults are certainly the cemetery’s landmarks. Almost each of them can be called a masterpiece. It’s also worth saying that among others, famous politicians are buried here. The Minneapolis City Hall built in 1906 is a notable example of Romanesque Revival. It started to serve its main purpose in 1912 having replaced the old municipal building. Apart from the city hall, the building also houses police and fire departments, a jail, and a county courthouse.

The Witch’s Hat Water Tower (officially called the Prospect Park Water Tower) is an interesting building that is worth visiting. The tower got its nickname because of the roof resembling a witch’s hat. The construction was also the inspiration for Bob Dylan’s song called All Along the Watchtower, as the musician often looked at it through his window. And it’s worth noting that it can be well seen from almost any high spot in Minneapolis. However, you can only view the tower from afar or a bit closer while walking around Tower Hill Park. Its observation deck is open to visitors only once a year.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis built in 1915 is a wonderful example of modern architecture—functional but also beautiful. The city’s theaters and concert halls are also worth visiting, especially if you want to spend a nice evening watching a cultural performance. The State Theatre and Orchestra Hall are the greatest places of this sort, but before going inside, you should definitely have a look at the exterior. However, the interior is as impressive as the exterior. Sports aficionados can take the same advice: before visiting the city’s main arena, U.S. Bank Stadium, enjoy the architecture of the construction.