Guthrie Theater

Planning a Visit to the Guthrie and the Riverfront

The Guthrie Theater has been part of Minneapolis cultural life since the 1960s, when it was founded as a resident repertory company with a commitment to classic and contemporary drama. Its current building on the riverfront, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, opened in 2006 and quickly became one of the most recognisable structures downtown. The dark blue exterior, the large printed images of past productions and the cantilevered walkway known as the Endless Bridge make it a landmark even for people who never see a show.

Inside, the building houses several performance spaces of different sizes, from a large thrust stage to a more intimate studio theatre, so the programme can range from large-scale classics to smaller new works. Public areas such as the lobbies and the Endless Bridge are often open during the day, and the views over the Mississippi, Stone Arch Bridge and the historic mill district are a good reason to stop by on their own.

Practical tips for getting there

• Check the official schedule first. Performance times, building hours and ticket availability change through the season, so confirm details directly with the Guthrie before you set out.
• Plan transport ahead. The theatre sits in the Downtown East and Mill District area. Parking ramps nearby fill up before evening shows, and light rail stations and bus routes are within walking distance, so allow extra time.
• Combine your visit. Mill City Museum, Gold Medal Park and the riverfront trails are close by, making it easy to pair a show with a walk along the river.
• Dress for the weather. Minnesota winters are cold and the riverfront can be windy, so layers help if you are walking between venues.

Connecting with the campaign nearby

Downtown gatherings are a natural fit for people already in the area for culture and dining. If you would like to know when campaign activities are taking place near the riverfront, see our events page. To help with outreach in downtown neighbourhoods, you can sign up for a shift through the volunteer page. Please note that this campaign is not affiliated with the Guthrie Theater; any questions about performances or tickets should go to the theatre itself.