The Fitzgerald Theater was built in 1910 and is St. Paul's oldest standing theater. It has a long and interesting history on its way to becoming one of the most respected theaters in the state. It has been owned by prominent entities such as MPR and now, First Avenue. While owned by the MPR, the […]

The Minnesota Museum of American Art (the M) has a long and storied history as one of the oldest visual arts organizations in Minnesota, back to its first iteration in 1894. Through many twists and turns, it has evolved and changed with the times. It is located in the historic Pioneer Endicott Building, and it […]

The Stone Arch Bridge Festival is an annual arts and music festival that takes place in June at the Stone Art Bridge, of course. It's been happening for a quarter of a century, and it's a way to celebrate arts and music at a historic landmark. It is a two-day festival, usually held on Father's […]

The Minnesota Fringe Festival was founded in 1991 by Bob McFadden as a way to showcase very experimental and wild productions. It was very amateurish until Dean Seal took over in 1995. In the following 25 years, it has grown and become a reputable festival that is respected in the world of theatre. The goal […]

The Cowles Center is the largest nonprofit dance complex in the Midwest and they pride themselves on providing the much-needed space for the community. They have nine rehearsal studios, three theaters, and administrative office space for local small-to-medium sized arts organizations. One noteworthy thing they are doing for free is providing schools with ways to […]

Gamut Gallery is an art gallery/live performing space/gift shop that highlights local artists who are creative in innovative ways. They believe that art should be about the people and widely accessible, and they endeavor to make it so. They are inclusive and welcome everyone to the space. They have exhibits of different mediums, including paint, […]

Open Book was founded in 2000 by The Loft Literary Center, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and Milkweed Editions, three literary nonprofits that wanted to combine their creative forces to promote literary arts locally. They became the first in the nation to build such an facility. They endeavored to create an environment that was welcoming […]

Minnesota Center for Book Arts started (MCBA) as a dream in 1983 by a group of local book enthusiasts who wanted to promote the art of writing in the local scene. Two years later, in 1985, the MCBA, a literary nonprofit, was opened in the McKesson Building. Fifteen years later, it outgrew its space, so […]

Minnesota Dance Theatre was founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton, and the reins were passed to her daughter, Lise, in 1995. They are respected around the world for their classical and contemporary performances which range from Carmina Burana to Unbound by MDT alumni, Jennifer Hart. The.y also stage Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy every year and […]

The Minnesota Orchestra was founded in 1903 and has built up an impeccable international reputation over the years. They have cemented that reputation by traveling around the world, playing in countries such as Capetown, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; and Tokyo, Japan. They perform in the highly-acclaimed Orchestra Hall, which is a LEED-certified facility. The Minnesota […]

Guthrie Theater was founded by Tyrone Guthrie in 1963 in response to his disenchantment (along with two colleagues) with Broadway. They envisioned a world in which regional theater could bring in world-class actors, and they have accomplished that vision. They are well-known and respected around the world, and they offer a wide array of productions […]

Elliot Recreation Center is located in Elliot Park, and it has several uses for members of the community. It's air-conditioned, which can be a lifesaver in the hot days of a Minneapolis summer. There is a computer lab and a crafting room, and there is a community kitchen as well. If you're in need of […]