Great Visuals of Tours, New Exhibits and More at Capitol
Grand Opening This Weekend

The Minnesota Historical Society and Minnesota Department of Administration are thrilled to celebrate four years of restoration work at the Minnesota State Capitol's Grand Opening Celebration this weekend, Aug. 11-13.

Visitors can enjoy free tours of the restored Capitol led by MNHS interpreters throughout the weekend, which include special behind-the-scenes glimpses of locations like the Governor's Office and Senate and House Retiring Rooms. Forty-five-minute tours start at the MNHS Information Desk every half hour Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

MNHS also invites the public to view the new exhibit “Reconciling History: Views on Two Minnesota Paintings” on the third floor in room 317A. This new exhibit space features two paintings formerly displayed in the Governor's Reception Room, "Father Hennepin Discovering the Falls of St. Anthony" and "The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux," with more robust interpretation, historic context and a range of current perspectives on the artwork, including those of American Indians.

On the third floor in rooms 317 and 317B, visitors can discover two new panel exhibits from MNHS, curated in partnership with the Cass Gilbert Society, on the Capitol’s construction, history and restoration.

MNHS Press author and National Register Historian Denis Gardener will sign copies of his new book "Our Minnesota State Capitol" throughout the weekend in the Capitol's museum store Friday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.