Why go
The Lumber Exchange's Romanesque exterior makes the wealth of Minneapolis's timber trade tangible among later downtown buildings. Begun in 1885 and expanded in stages, it gained a wing and additional upper floors as the city grew. Look for the entrance arches, bay windows and turrets rather than expecting a public museum inside; the building remains in commercial use.
What to look for
- Carved capitals and decoration frame the large entrance arches.
- Bay windows and turrets break up the building's heavy Romanesque masonry.
- Its added wing and upper floors show how the building grew over time.
Useful to know
- Allow a short exterior look from the sidewalk; interior access is for the building's commercial uses.
- Combine it with the nearby Hennepin Avenue theater facades for a compact architecture walk.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 5–10 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.