Lexus named Official Vehicle Partner of Hennepin Arts, redefining the live theatre experience
New valet service and expanded parking options debut this year
MINNEAPOLIS (March 30, 2026) — Hennepin Arts announced a new partnership with Lexus, naming the luxury automotive brand the Official Vehicle Partner of Hennepin Arts. The collaboration has introduced the Lexus Lounge and Lexus valet parking, creating a seamless experience for guests from arrival to encore.
Grounded in shared values of innovation and community investment, the partnership supports expanded cultural experiences and greater access to the arts. Together, Hennepin Arts and Lexus are deepening the live performance experience while reinforcing the Hennepin Theatre District as a cornerstone of downtown Minneapolis.
“At Hennepin Arts, we believe the magic of live theatre begins long before the curtain rises,” said Andrea Mokros, interim president and CEO of Hennepin Arts. “Our partnership with Lexus reshapes how audiences arrive, gather and celebrate live performance — helping us deliver brighter and bolder moments in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.”
That vision for the guest experience comes to life through new hospitality offerings. Lexus will receive naming rights to the Lexus Lounge at The Hennepin, located adjacent to the historic Orpheum Theatre. The space serves as a dedicated gathering place for Hennepin Arts donors and supporters whose generosity helps sustain live performance and arts education across the region. Throughout the season, the Lexus Lounge will host special gatherings and curated experiences designed to celebrate and deepen engagement with the arts.
In addition to the donor lounge, the partnership expands Hennepin Arts’ suite of arrival services available to all guests. Lexus Valet service is now available during all Broadway performances at the historic Orpheum Theatre providing guests with a premium, convenient experience for a smooth transition from curbside to curtain. Guests may also access self-park opportunities that can be added directly to their order when making ticket purchases or pre-purchasing parking for steamlined convenience. Complete details can be found at HennepinArts.org/parking.
“At Lexus, we’re passionate about creating experiences that inspire – and that goes far beyond the drivers’ seat,” said Charlie Swanson, of Lexus of Wayzata and Lexus of Maplewood. “Partnering with Hennepin Arts allows us to celebrate creativity, culture and community in a truly meaningful way. Together, we’re excited to help bring unforgettable moments to life for audiences across Minneapolis and invite them to Experience Amazing – on stage and beyond.”
Hennepin Arts welcomes more than 500,000 guests annually to its theatres, serving as an essential cultural and economic anchor for Minneapolis. The Lexus partnership reinforces the organization’s commitment to accessible arts experiences while continuing to strengthen the Hennepin Theatre District as a premier entertainment destination in Minnesota.
Hennepin Arts drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres — Orpheum, State and Pantages — and the Dudley Riggs Theatre light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With seven models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
This activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.