Collection on the Minneapolis Auditorium

Collection

Identifier: M/A 0100

Staff Only

Description of Contents

The collection includes newspaper clippings on building construction, grand openings, performances, events, tradeshows, expositions, and more that took place in the facility over its history. It also includes various programs, construction plans, budgets, and related records from expansion projects from the early 1920s, 1960s, and 1980s. Also included are three scrapbooks that cover 1923-1929 and 1958-1981.

Dates

Creation: 1923 - 1988

Creator

Minneapolis Auditorium and Convention Hall (Organization)

Access

The collection is available for use in Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library during the department's open hours.

History

On June 4, 1927, the newly constructed Minneapolis Auditorium opened its doors on Grant St. E between 3rd Ave. S and Stevens Ave. A replacement for the old Auditorium, which had become the Lyceum Theater in 1924, the new auditorium was prompted by the Manufacturers Association of Minneapolis. The auditorium gave the city a significant venue to hold local and national conventions as well as other large events. It could seat 10,545 people.

The auditorium hosted many notable events. It was the first home of the Minneapolis Lakers, before the team moved across town to the Armory. Many concerts by famous artists, including Elvis Presley, were held at the Auditorium.

In the 1960s, the original auditorium was restored and a convention hall, exhibit hall, restaurants, meeting rooms and other facilities were added. The building was renamed the Minneapolis Auditorium and Convention Center. By the 1980s, even the remodeled building was showing its age. In 1988, the Minneapolis Auditorium and Convention Center was demolished to make way for the new Minneapolis Convention Center.