Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced today that he will join architectural, civic, business, and non-profit leaders from across the city to launch Doors Open Minneapolis (Doors Open). The weekend-long civic celebration May 18-19, 2019 will provide visitors a behind-the-scenes look at 110+ unique venues across Minneapolis. The event is free and open to the public.
The diverse venues range from historical buildings presenting stories about the past, to the newest buildings showcasing how they are leading the city into the future. Visitors will be able to tailor their Doors Open experiences by visiting sites organized around nine different themes: Arts & Cultural, Business & Commerce, Civic, Education, Historic, Infrastructure & Sustainability, Innovation, Made in Minneapolis, and Sacred Spaces.
The Doors Open Minneapolis event will coincide with Explore Downtown Living on May 18. The mpls downtown council 2025 plan initiative, now in its fifth year, offers free residential tours throughout the downtown area.
“Our city is home to some of the most spectacular architecture anywhere in the nation – through Doors Open Minneapolis, we’ll highlight it,” said Frey. “Our city is home to some of the most forward-looking innovative community leaders in the nation – Doors Open Minneapolis will offer opportunities to get to know them. Most of all, I cannot wait to partner with people from all across Minneapolis to tell our city’s story.”
Mayor Frey kicked off a public awareness campaign for Doors Open with a tour and news conference at Bellisio Foods, Inc, a Minneapolis-based American frozen food manufacturing company.
“We are excited to have Doors Open Minneapolis become a reality,” said Scott Mayer, Doors Open representative. “This event includes venues throughout the entire city and in every neighborhood. The public will have a chance to have unique access to explore what is new and what is made in Minneapolis, while also uncovering hidden treasures.” added Mayer.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) helped coordinate the venues and is one of several sponsors for the event. “The rich history of design and architecture of Minneapolis connects people to the city’s past while positioning it for the future,” said Michael Kisch, AIA, AIA Minneapolis president. “We look forward to sharing the stories embedded in Minneapolis’ buildings, by making them accessible at Doors Open,” Kisch added.
Other U.S. cities have successfully launched similar initiatives. Open House Chicago began in 2011, and last year over 100,000 unique individuals visited 257 sites in the city and two near suburbs. Doors Open Milwaukee also began in 2011 and last year 26,100 visited approximately 170 sites as part of its tour.
Partners and Sponsors of Doors Open Minneapolis are Presenting Sponsor Comcast, the City of Minneapolis, American Institute of Architects Minneapolis (AIA-Minneapolis), Andersen Corporation, United Properties, VAA Engineering, Bellisio, Minneapolis Building Trades, Xcel Energy, Ackerberg, the Downtown Council, Meet Minneapolis, ESG Architects, TractorWorks Building, The Woman’s Club, Canopy by Hilton, Tunheim, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, Star Tribune, AirVuz, and Lime.
Almost 1000 volunteer greeters will be needed at participating venues of the event to ensure a great experience.
To learn more about Doors Open, view the list of participating venues, and for volunteer sign up visit: www.doorsopenminneapolis.org.
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