Northrup King Building
A historic labyrinth housing over 400 artists, offering a vibrant hub for creativity, discovery, and direct engagement with local art.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most studios open for browsing
Northrup King Building
Best Time
Most studios open for browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic labyrinth housing over 400 artists, offering a vibrant hub for creativity, discovery, and direct engagement with local art.
"It's like a labyrinth but it's manageable to not get lost. There is some logic in the madness."
🚲 Bike to Avoid Parking Hassles
Parking can be tough during events. Biking lets you cover more ground and easily navigate the busy streets.
🗺️ Grab a Building Directory
The building is massive! A directory helps you navigate the 'labyrinth' and find specific artists or studios.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artist Studios
Throughout the building
Explore a labyrinth of over 400 artists showcasing diverse creations, from paintings to unique furniture.
Art-a-Whirl Event
Entire building
Experience one of the largest art crawls, transforming the building into a vibrant spectacle with thousands of visitors.
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Northrup King Nights
Various studios
Enjoy special evenings where artists debut new works and exhibitions, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Studio Hours Before You Go
Embrace the Art-a-Whirl Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike to Avoid Parking Hassles
Parking can be tough during events. Biking lets you cover more ground and easily navigate the busy streets.
🗺️ Grab a Building Directory
The building is massive! A directory helps you navigate the 'labyrinth' and find specific artists or studios.
🗓️ Check Studio Hours Online
Not all studios are open daily. Verify hours beforehand to ensure your favorite artists are available.
✨ Discover Unique Finds
Beyond paintings, find restored furniture, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike to Avoid Parking Hassles
Parking can be tough during events. Biking lets you cover more ground and easily navigate the busy streets.
🗺️ Grab a Building Directory
The building is massive! A directory helps you navigate the 'labyrinth' and find specific artists or studios.
🗓️ Check Studio Hours Online
Not all studios are open daily. Verify hours beforehand to ensure your favorite artists are available.
✨ Discover Unique Finds
Beyond paintings, find restored furniture, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
📸 Capture the Creative Vibe
The historic building and diverse art offer fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Northrup King Building for its immense creativity and the sheer talent of its resident artists. The historic building's unique atmosphere and the opportunity to meet artists directly are major highlights. While navigating the vast space can be a bit of a maze, the experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return for events and studio visits.
"This place is absolutely amazing. I had not heard of this place previously. There is so much creativity and art here. There are truly some very talented artists here and I was very impressed!
If you are looking for some unique and beautiful pieces of art this is definitely a great place to that. There is even classic and unique furniture that has been restored here. I will definitely be coming here again."
Michael Lewis
"It was such a cool place! We went on a Monday and with very limited galleries open, we still had a blast. It is a great place to meet so many artists, look up classes and really enjoy the space. Can’t wait to be back for their events!"
Manette Hidalgo
"Great ambience and a huge variety of artwork - both tallies and studios - plan your trip ahead of time to get the best experience and ensure studios are open."
Randy Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Northrup King Building is located in Northeast Minneapolis. It's accessible by car, though parking can be challenging during events. Many visitors opt to bike, especially during Art-a-Whirl, to avoid congestion. Public transportation options are also available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, parking is available, but it can be very limited and congested, especially during major events like Art-a-Whirl. Street parking and nearby lots are options, but arriving early or considering alternative transportation like biking is often recommended.
Absolutely! Biking is a popular and practical way to visit the Northrup King Building, particularly during busy events. It allows you to easily navigate the area and avoid parking difficulties.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entry to the Northrup King Building and most artist studios is free. Special events like Art-a-Whirl are also free to attend, though you'll want to budget for any art purchases.
The building itself doesn't have set public hours as it's primarily an artist studio complex. Individual artist studios have varying hours, with many open on Saturdays from 12 PM to 4 PM. Special events have their own specific hours.
For the most vibrant experience, visit during Art-a-Whirl or Northrup King Nights. For a quieter visit, Saturdays from 12 PM to 4 PM are ideal when most studios are open.
Yes, the Northrup King Building hosts several popular events, including Northrup King Nights and the massive Art-a-Whirl, where artists open their studios to the public.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You'll find an incredibly diverse range of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photography, jewelry, and even restored furniture. Over 400 artists work here, offering something for every taste.
The Northrup King Building is massive, often described as a labyrinth. It's one of the largest buildings in the Northeast Minneapolis arts district and houses over 400 artist studios across two connected buildings.
While it can feel like a labyrinth, there's a certain logic to its layout. Picking up a directory or planning your route beforehand can help you navigate efficiently.
Yes, meeting the artists is a highlight! Many artists are present in their studios, especially during open studio events, and are happy to discuss their work.
Some artists offer classes and workshops. It's best to check with individual artists or their studio listings for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to ask the artist before taking photos of their specific artwork or studio space.
The historic architecture, unique studio setups, and the diverse artwork itself provide numerous excellent photo opportunities. Look for interesting textures, light, and the creative process in action.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to visit on a Saturday afternoon when studios are generally open and the crowds are more manageable than during major events. Consider bringing a stroller if you have very young children, as the building is large. Engaging kids by letting them pick out their favorite piece or asking them what they see in the art can make the visit more interactive.
💰 Budget Travelers
During events like Art-a-Whirl, while the atmosphere is electric, be prepared for potential crowds. Visiting on a regular Saturday afternoon might offer a more relaxed browsing experience. Remember to factor in potential transportation costs and any impulse art purchases you might make – it's hard to resist the unique finds!
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
Attending Northrup King Nights or Art-a-Whirl is essential for experiencing the full breadth of what the building offers. These events are prime times to see new works, meet artists, and potentially acquire unique pieces directly from their creators. Planning your visit around these events, perhaps by researching artists beforehand, will maximize your experience and potential acquisitions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Northrup King Building
Many visitors find that exploring the building is part of the experience. Don't be afraid to wander and discover unexpected studios. The building itself is historic, showcasing its age with unique architectural features like barn doors and old-style elevators, adding to its charm.
For those looking to cover more ground or avoid parking challenges during peak times, biking is an excellent option. It allows for easier movement between the different sections of the building and the surrounding arts district.
The Art-a-Whirl Phenomenon
+1Attending Art-a-Whirl means preparing for crowds. The building becomes a vibrant spectacle, with artists opening their doors and often engaging directly with visitors. It’s a chance to not only admire art but also to meet the creators, learn about their processes, and perhaps find that perfect piece to take home.
Beyond the Northrup King Building, Art-a-Whirl encompasses numerous other venues in Northeast Minneapolis, making it a comprehensive arts district experience. Planning your visit to Art-a-Whirl involves strategizing which buildings and artists you want to prioritize, as seeing everything in one go is nearly impossible. The event typically spans a weekend in late April or early May, so check the official dates annually.
Meet the Artists
This direct interaction offers a unique insight into the creative process and allows visitors to build a personal connection with the art. You can ask questions, learn about the materials used, and even commission custom pieces. Many artists also offer their work for sale directly from their studios, providing a chance to purchase original art at potentially more accessible prices than through traditional galleries.
Even on regular Saturdays, when fewer studios might be open, you can often find artists working and willing to chat. It’s this personal touch that makes visiting the Northrup King Building a memorable experience, transforming a simple art viewing into a more intimate and educational encounter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit