MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier this month Minneapolis hosted its first annual Doors Open Minneapolis event, giving visitors and residents free, behind-the-scenes access to buildings and venues across the city. With more than 71,000 visits to participating sites and more than 17,500 individuals participating on May 17 and 18, the first Doors Open Minneapolis exceeded expectations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, an early partner in the initiative, and Scott Mayer, the event’s organizer, celebrated the event’s success.

“Doors Open brought people together in an extraordinary way – all with the express purpose of celebrating Minneapolis and the buildings and businesses that have helped make it a world-class city,” said Frey. “Thanks to the Doors Open volunteers, sponsors, and participants, we found a new way to tell Minneapolis’ story, and their commitment made year one a huge success.”

“Doors Open Minneapolis could not have been made possible if it weren’t for each and every sponsor, volunteer, and attendee. They created the opportunity that allowed my fellow Minneapolitans to be tourists in their own city,” said Scott Mayer, organizer of Doors Open Minneapolis. “Judging by the enthusiastic response, we’ve proven that our community loves to learn about our history and what’s in our future.”

More than 1,500 visited City Hall and the Mayor’s office, and several visitors received a personal tour from Frey himself. Frey also visited several venues throughout the city, including the Post Office, the Witch’s Hat, Target Lights, Houston White Men’s Room, Scottish Rite Temple, Weisman Art Museum, and City Hall.

Doors Open statistics:
Saturday visits: 42,669
Sunday visits: 29,018
Total visits: 71,687
Number of unique visitors: 17,841
Venue with the most visitors: Federal Reserve Bank, 5,919 visitors