The Guthrie Theater has been a Minneapolis institution for over half a century, but its present-day modern building, which resembles a grain silo, was erected in 2006. The productions staged here and the tours of the building will transport you into a world of classic theater.
Sir Tyrone Guthrie, the theater’s founder, was tired of the commercialization of Broadway. He wanted to establish a theater company that remained loyal to the classics, with performers who maintained traditional acting standards. He started his legacy in 1963 with one of the most classic stage productions: Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Guthrie passed away in 1971, but his dream lives on.
The Guthrie Theater still favors classical productions by Shakespeare, with many plays and events dedicated to his famous scripts. However, since the 1980s the directors have pushed for more modern and artistic performances to be included.
The sleek design of the modern theater is by Jean Nouvel. The French architect has modeled the midnight-blue building to fit in with the river landscape and history of grain in the Mill District. The lobby, known as the Endless Bridge, is an observatory-style space that “hangs” over West River Parkway and has great views of the Mississippi River.
Performances are held almost every day on one of three stages. To keep a certain degree of intimacy between the actors and audience, no seat is more than 15 rows or 52 feet (16 meters) away from the stage.
Guthrie Theater is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. Expect to pay a considerable parking fee during events and local Viking football games. Backstage tours are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. You can take an architecture tour or a tour of the nearby CostumeRentals, which is the name of their warehouse, on the first Saturday of every month. To order tickets for a performance or tour, visit the Guthrie Theater website.
Guthrie Theater Tours and Activities
Visit Guthrie Theater
Plan a trip to see Guthrie Theater
Tours & day trips
See all 48 activitiesOpens in new tabSaint Paul Gangster Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tabMinneapolis Riverfront Ramble: A Journey of Discovery
Attractions
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabMall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabTwilight Whispers: A Romantic Stroll Through Minneapolis
Popular places to visit
Mill City Museum
Learn about how a flour mill and the Mississippi River shaped the identity of Minneapolis at this exciting museum housed within 19th-century ruins.
Mill Ruins Park
Explore the great outdoors at Mill Ruins Park, a lovely green space in Minneapolis. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Stone Arch Bridge
Stroll across this historic 23-arch bridge, which spans the mighty Mississippi and offers views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis riverfront.
Saint Anthony Falls
Explore the historic district and heritage trails that surround the thundering waterfall that powered the fledgling city of Minneapolis.
Washburn "A" Mill
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Washburn "A" Mill in Minneapolis. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.
Gold Medal Park
Explore the great outdoors at Gold Medal Park, a lovely green space in Minneapolis. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.
Best Lodging Options Near Guthrie Theater
Check availability on hotels close to Guthrie Theater
- Vacations and getaways similar to Guthrie Theater
- Other Hotels near Guthrie Theater, Downtown Minneapolis
- Hotels near popular Minneapolis - St. Paul Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown
- Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot by Marriott
- Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
- The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
- AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
- W Minneapolis - The Foshay
- Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis
- Tru By Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
- Sonder at East End
- Hilton Minneapolis
- Hotels near Mall of America
- Hotels near U.S. Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Target Field
- Hotels near Nickelodeon Universe
- Hotels near University of Minnesota
- Hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center
- Hotels near Target Center
- Hotels near Xcel Energy Center
- Hotels near Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Hotels near Mississippi River
- Hotels near Huntington Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Orpheum Theatre
- Hotels near The Armory
- Hotels near University of Minnesota-West Bank Campus
- Hotels near University of St. Thomas
- Hotels near Twin Cities Premium Outlets
- Hotels near State Theatre
- Hotels near Venetian Indoor Waterpark
- Hotels near National Sports Center