Foshay Museum and Observation Deck

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, the Foshay Museum and Observation Deck offer a unique blend of architectural grandeur and captivating history. A symbol of a prosperous era in the USA, this site occupies the 30th and 31st floors of the famous Foshay Tower—the city's first skyscraper.

Standing 136 meters tall, the tower was built in 1929 and remained the tallest building in the region for decades. Its Art Deco design was inspired by the famous Washington Monument, giving the structure a graceful, tapering form that makes it stand out against the modern skyline.

Today, the site serves as both a historical archive and one of the city's finest vantage points. The museum features more than 100 original artifacts telling the story of the tower's creator and the "Roaring Twenties," while the open-air deck offers visitors incredible panoramas of the city blocks and surroundings.

For those planning a visit, it’s helpful to have current contact information. The Foshay Museum and Observation Deck are located in the W Minneapolis – The Foshay hotel building.

The main draw for visitors is the open-air observation deck on the 31st floor. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view encompassing all of Minneapolis. The sight of skyscrapers, winding roads, and park zones from this height leaves a lasting impression, especially during the golden hour before sunset.

Descending to the 30th floor, guests enter the museum dedicated to the tower's history. A rich collection of luxury items from that era is on display: from exquisite gold-plated plumbing fixtures to ornamental clocks and decorative elements. The exhibition clearly showcases the ambition and taste of Wilbur Foshay, who built this "temple of commerce."

Studying the building's architectural nuances is a highlight in itself. Take note of the elevator doors, adorned with delicate 1920s metalwork, and the carved Art Deco decorative elements. For the full experience, it's worth visiting the Prohibition bar, which recreates the atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the aesthetics of the last century.

The attraction is located at 821 South Marquette Avenue, in the heart of the Downtown West business district. Although the main entrance is associated with Marquette Avenue, the building itself is set back slightly and is located closer to 9th Street, which is worth keeping in mind when navigating Minneapolis.

Thanks to its central location, the Foshay Tower is easy to reach by public transport—numerous bus routes and light rail lines pass nearby. If you prefer comfort, you can use taxis or popular ride-sharing services directly from your hotel or any point in the city center.

Once inside the building, follow the signs to the elevators. Modern high-speed cabins will whisk you up to the 30th and 31st floors at a speed of about 230 meters per minute, turning the ascent into a small but exciting adventure.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the personality of Wilbur Foshay, an ambitious tycoon who decided to erect a monument to his own success. The tower was built between 1927 and 1929 by the architectural firm Magney & Tusler. Foshay so admired the Washington Monument that he ordered the building to be designed to mimic its slender silhouette. The uniqueness of the design was confirmed by an official patent granted in 1930.

The building's fate was dramatic: its grand opening took place just two months before the stock market crash in October 1929. The ensuing Great Depression bankrupted Wilbur Foshay. He lost his empire and was later sentenced to prison for fraud. However, his "monument" survived and remained the tallest structure in Minneapolis for decades.

In 1978, the Foshay Tower was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Years later, between 2006 and 2008, the building underwent a major restoration, during which it was transformed into a luxury hotel while preserving the authentic 1920s spirit in the museum and observation deck interiors.

To leisurely explore the exhibition and fully enjoy the panoramas, most guests need 1.5 to 2 hours. This is ample time to examine the historical artifacts in the museum and take memorable photos from the observation deck.

If you plan to round off your visit with a stop at the local bar or restaurant located in the same building, you should budget an additional hour. Walking through the historical floors sets a contemplative mood, so we don't recommend rushing your visit.

The Foshay Museum and Observation Deck generally welcome visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This schedule allows you to see the city in both bright daylight and the evening's glittering lights.

Please note that access to the deck may be temporarily restricted due to private events or unfavorable weather conditions. Before your visit, we highly recommend checking the official website for current information or confirming hours at the lobby registration desk.

A stroll through the city center after visiting the Foshay Tower is a great addition to any cultural itinerary. Its proximity to transport hubs allows for quick access to other iconic sites that make a trip to this region even more rewarding and diverse.