Northrup King Building

Imagine a massive early 20th-century industrial structure transformed into the vibrant heart of modern art. The Northrup King Building is a historic monument of industrial architecture located near Saint Paul in the USA. Today, it is the region's largest creative hub, where hundreds of artisans coexist under one roof.

Inside this majestic brick-and-concrete building, you'll find dozens of art studios, galleries, and design firms. Visitors are drawn to the unique blend of raw industrial aesthetics and the elegance of contemporary art pieces. The high rating (4.7 on Google) confirms that it has become a must-see destination for anyone seeking inspiration outside traditional museum halls.

Located in the creative Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood, the building is home to artists of all disciplines, from classical painting and sculpture to conceptual installations and handcrafted ceramics. It is a living, ever-changing space where every corridor opens a door to a new creative universe.

For more information about events or to contact the art complex administration, you can use the following contact details:

The main highlight here is visiting the open artist studios. Events held as part of the First Saturday project (the first Saturday of every month) are especially popular, with over a hundred masters opening their doors to the public. During this time, you can not only see finished works but also observe the creative process itself, ask the artists questions, and even purchase unique handmade items firsthand—from jewelry to large-scale canvases.

Aesthetics enthusiasts should pay attention to the architecture of the Northrup King Building itself. High ceilings, exposed brickwork, and massive windows create a stunning play of light that is a work of art in its own right. As you stroll through the long corridors, you're likely to come across vibrant graffiti and temporary installations decorating the common areas.

For those looking to explore their own talents, workshops in pottery, painting, or design are frequently held here. During the warmer months, the surrounding grounds host intimate concerts and cozy picnics, bringing the creative community and visitors together in a friendly atmosphere.

The most convenient way to reach this creative hub, located at 1500 Jackson St NE, is by car. You can use the exact coordinates for navigation. Free parking is available on the building's grounds and the surrounding streets, which is especially helpful on weekends when there are many visitors.

If you prefer public transport, use bus routes No. 10 or No. 17, which stop on Central Ave NE or Broadway St NE. The trip from downtown Minneapolis takes about 15–20 minutes. From MSP International Airport, a taxi or rental car will take approximately 25 minutes via I-94 W.

For those who prefer active travel, the Northeast Minneapolis area offers an excellent network of bike paths. You can rent a bike through the Nice Ride system and ride to the building from the Mississippi River waterfront in just 20–30 minutes, enjoying views of the city.

The Northrup King Building began its history in 1917. It was originally constructed as a massive production and warehouse complex for Northrup King & Co., a company specializing in seed production and distribution. At that time, the building was a vital link in the region's agricultural economy, reinforcing the city's status as a major trade and industrial center.

By the 1980s, as traditional industry declined, the vast spaces were left empty. However, in the 1990s, the building found a second life. Thanks to the efforts of a group of artists and investors, this industrial giant avoided demolition and was transformed into an artistic cluster. The renovation successfully preserved unique authentic elements, such as massive wooden beams, concrete floors, and large window openings.

Today, this complex is considered one of the pioneers of art renovation in the US. It clearly demonstrates how historical industrial heritage can be transformed into a modern creative space, becoming the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and uniting thousands of creative individuals.

To leisurely explore the galleries and peek into the workshops, a typical visitor will need about 1.5 to 3 hours. This is enough time to walk through the floors, appreciate the industrial architecture, and chat with a few artists.

If your visit coincides with major art events or festivals, such as First Saturday, we recommend allowing at least 4 hours. On these days, the maximum number of studios are open, and there are workshops and fairs that are hard to pull yourself away from.

The building is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, it's important to keep in mind that this is a working space for artists, so most private studios and galleries welcome visitors on individual schedules or by prior appointment on weekdays.

The best time to visit is during open house days, which typically take place on Saturdays (especially the first Saturday of the month) from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During this period, the maximum number of workshops are open, and the creative atmosphere is felt most fully.

After immersing yourself in the world of art at the Northrup King Building, it's worth checking out other interesting places in the surroundings. Exploring this area will help you better feel the atmosphere and diversity of the region's cultural life.