An event this spring in Minneapolis aims to help connect residents and tourists alike to the story of architecture around us.
We drive past buildings every day in this city that catch our attention, but sometimes it's not enough to just take a peek inside the lobby.
Inspired by events in Chicago and Milwaukee, Minneapolis is hosting its own 'Doors Open' event. For one weekend May 18 and 19, people can step inside unique buildings and get more than a behind-the-scenes look. More than 100 venues ranging from arts, local businesses and hotels, government, places of worship and more are participating.
"It's more than just having folks go into a building, taking a photo and leaving," Doors Open spokesman Scott Mayer said. "It's about really telling the story of this city. Each of the venues that have signed on is going to be telling us about the history of their building and what's happened in the past for Minneapolis, but it's also going to be about what the future holds for Minneapolis.
"Buildings across our city have something to tell us," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. "Something to tell us about who we were, who we are and where we're going."
Frey says those cities have seen good tourism returns over the years they've been hosting this kind of event, but it's also about civic pride.
"A huge part of being a world class city is highlighting that which sets us apart," Frey said. "What sets us apart is our rich diversity, or rich history, our culture. Our community and our buildings. What Doors Open Minneapolis does is highlight all of them in one fell swoop. Obviously we have a slew of issues we're working on, areas we need to improve, but while we're doing that, we can also celebrate the extraordinary city that we've got."
Houston White, an entrepreneur and owner of HWMR in north Minneapolis, a barbershop, boutique and community space that's participating in the Doors Open event, says he's excited to welcome people to the neighborhood dubbed Camden Town along 44th Street.
"The barbershop has a special place in the community," he said. "It's kind of the epicenter. I want them to see the area. I want them to be excited about Camden Town. I think about Camden Town as the next Uptown. More livable. More family friendly type of Uptown. This is really cool place for young people to come lay their roots and build organically as opposed to big developers."
The event is free and open to the public and the venues are responsible for the individual experiences. Here are the venues participating.