HENNEPIN
THEATRE
DISTRICT

A century ago, Hennepin Avenue lit up the night. Theaters along the avenue drew audiences from across the region to experience what was possible. These theaters helped shape the cultural identity of Minneapolis, launching icons, building community and creating a downtown that pulsed with energy and life.

This exhilarating legacy lives on through Hennepin Arts. Not a repetition of the past, but a braver, brighter and bolder step forward. The Hennepin Theatre District remains one of Downtown Minneapolis’ strongest and most consistent drivers of activity.

We're investing in the future of downtown Minneapolis by creating a more vibrant, welcoming and memorable theater district, beginning with the renovation of the 900 Hennepin building directly connected to the historic Orpheum Theatre.

Downtown Minneapolis is evolving, and the Hennepin Theatre District has an opportunity to evolve with it

To meet this moment, Hennepin Arts is advancing a transformative renovation of the 900 Hennepin building, the gateway to the Orpheum Theatre and a cornerstone of the district. This investment is a critical first step in shaping how people experience downtown for generations to come.

The statistics speak for themselves:

• More than 500,000 visitors each year

• More than 470 performances annually

• A $100 million annual economic impact

• Visitors from all 87 Minnesota counties

Work is already underway

Construction is already underway on the renovation of 900 Hennepin, transforming the building into a natural extension of the Orpheum Theatre. The enhancements below are all part of this transformative project and will create exciting new guest amenities and spaces, culminating in an entirely new guest experience beginning in winter 2026:

• Improve guest arrivals to our theaters with better visibility and enhanced lighting along Hennepin Avenue.

• Improve guest access and flow with additional connections to the Orpheum Theatre and expanded guest spaces and experiences.

• Expand important amenities and improve the guest experience, including additional restrooms and bars.

• Install the latest technology to expedite guest arrival and entry.

• Create a welcoming and vibrant District experience, inside and outside our theaters.

• Create special opportunities and entertaining spaces for pre- and post-theater, and intermission, experiences.

Work is already enhancing the experience for our supporters. Hennepin Arts donors who make annual gifts of $2,500 or more will enjoy exclusive access to our new donor amenities as they open, with even more benefits to come.

Make your gift today and be among the first to experience what's next.

One project. A larger vision.

This is the first visible step in a long-term commitment to strengthen the Hennepin Theatre District.

As we continue investing in our theaters and surrounding public spaces, we hope to inspire partners throughout the District to join us in creating an even more welcoming, vibrant destination for everyone who visits downtown Minneapolis.