Do you like to explore Minneapolis buildings and businesses? Have you ever wondered what they look like behind the scenes?
Doors Open Minneapolis is BACK on May 9-10, 2026 and you can do all of this and more for FREE!
Doors Open Minneapolis started in 2019, paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, and then came back in 2023! It was created by a historic preservation nonprofit organization called Rethos, and “provides a unique chance to explore the buildings that tell a city’s story.”
It’s been back every year now and this year it’s May 9-10, 2026!
There are 75 venues this year! Some of the venues will include:
- Ritz Theater: Celebrating its 100th anniversary!
- Flux Arts Building: Creative workspace in the Northeast Arts District.
- Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder: Historic local news publication.
- Hennepin Healthcare Teddy Bear Clinic: Children’s medical exploration event.
- Theodore Wirth Home: Explore the history of the Minneapolis park system.
- W Minneapolis – The Foshay: Historic observation deck and museum.
- Italian Cultural Center: Classrooms and cultural community spaces.
- UMN Libraries Collections Facility: High-density storage for over 3 million items.
- In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre: New location on Hennepin Ave.
- Metropolitan Council West Meters Odor Control Facility: Insight into wastewater treatment.
- Basilica of St Mary: Historic church.
- Kramarczuk Sausage Co Inc.: Famous local eatery
There are many places I’ve never even heard of!
Last year (2025) my teens and I visited the Metro Transit Blue Line Operations and Maintenance Building near Hiawatha in Minneapolis. We got to play with the control buttons and sound different horns! Plus we toured the maintenance area. It was very interesting and the drivers answered lots of questions. Then they gave out Metro Transit activities to do at home.
Though it isn’t on the list for this year, Metro Transit is opening its doors to the North Loop Garage where they can store hundreds of busses!
You can see the full list here!
The event is May 9th and 10th in Minneapolis. Each venue’s hours vary.
Note: There are some events that are ticketed and charge a fee.
There are FREE parking lots and you can get FREE Metro Transit passes.
Here are the free parking ramps:
• 10th & LaSalle Ramp – 915 LaSalle Ave
• 16th Ave Surface Lot – 1500 S 4th St
• Basilica Surface Lot – 13 N 17th St
• Farmer’s Market Lot – 225 E Lyndale Ave N
• Jerry Haaf Memorial Ramp – 424 S 4th St
• Vineland Place Ramp – 727 Vineland Pl
• Ramp A — 101 North 9th Street (only 10-4 on Sunday)
• Ramp B — 516 2nd Avenue N (only 10-4 on Sunday)
• Ramp C — 318 2nd Avenue N (only 10-4 on Sunday)
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Many venues have kids activities.
They have maps and details on their website.
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