Downtown West in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Masonic Temple Building
1890, 1947, 1978
Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024
1. Masonic Temple Building Marker
The Masonic Temple, now known as the Hennepin Center for the Arts, was completed in 1890. Designed by Long and Kees, and considered a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, it was originally home to the Freemasons as a Masonic Lodge, subsequently became a merchandise center, and, most recently, has become a center for the arts in the city.
The Ohio sandstone exterior was intricately detailed with Masonic symbols, including celestial and terrestrial carvings. Additionally, two onion domes (since removed due to their deteriorating condition) were placed at the top of the building, symbolizing the exotic character of the Masonic order. In 1947, the building was converted to a merchandise center.
In 1975, the building was listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, a significant boost at a time when the building was in poor condition In 1978, the Hennepin Center for the Arts purchased the building, completed a major renovation, and converted the building into an arts center that is now a part of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts.
Erected by the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture •
this page online
Location. 44° 58.741′ N, 93° 16.417′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Downtown West. It is at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and N. 6th Street on Hennepin Avenue. The marker is mounted by the front entrance to the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 518 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55403, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gluek's Restaurant and Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Butler Square (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lumber Exchange Building (about 500 feet away); Wyman Building (about 800 feet away); Westminster Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); State Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named State Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); Former Site of Plymouth Congregational Church (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.
Also see . . . Masonic Temple (QR code on marker). (Submitted on June 4, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.)
Photographed by McGhiever
2. Masonic Temple Building Marker to the left of the front entrance
Photographed by McGhiever, April 1, 2018
3. Masonic Temple Building (now the Hennepin Center for the Arts)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
