Guthrie Theater

What are the building hours?
Why isn't that blue passage over South 2nd Street a skyway?
Can I come to the Guthrie without seeing a show?
Why can't I see the theaters during the day?
What is the parking rate at the ramp across the street?
Who are the people on the outside panels of the building, by the restaurant?
Does the Guthrie have a dress code?
Can the Guthrie donate tickets to my benefit or event?
How can I receive regular information from the Guthrie?
I'm writing a research paper about the Guthrie (or American theater or Tyrone Guthrie)? Can you help?

What are the building hours?

See our Building Hours page for information.

Why isn't that blue passage over South 2nd Street a skyway?

The city of Minneapolis ordinance prohibits pedestrian skyways in the Mill City Historic District neighborhood. The goal of these guidelines is to encourage pedestrian activity at street level. Although the production link looks very much like a skyway, it serves a very different purpose. Our sets are built in the scene shop located on top of the parking ramp. In order to move the sets (which sometimes weigh over a ton) from the scene shop to the stages on level three, a production link was necessary and became a critical element of the building's design. The city understood this need for the functioning of the building and, given Jean Nouvel's sensitivity and respect to the industrial architectural forms that were prevalent in the historic mills district, the city agreed to the passage over Second Street.

With our audience in mind, Mr. Nouvel located the production link directly over the main entrance of the theater to provide shelter to patrons from snow and rain. We believe it is a vast improvement from past decades prior to the Walker Art Center's ramp being built on Vineland Place when our audience parked in Parade Stadium, an unprotected surface lot located more than a block away.

Can I come to the Guthrie without seeing a show?

Yes! You do not need a ticket to a play to enjoy the level four and five lobbies, the "endless bridge," Cue at the Guthrie or the Level 5 Café.

Why can't I see the theaters during the day?

Due to various rehearsal schedules, the theaters need to be closed to the public during the day.

What is the parking rate at the ramp across the street?

The ramp across the street, the Riverfront Ramp, is owned and operated by the City of Minneapolis. The event rate for Guthrie events is typically $8. Event rates will vary based on Metrodome events and other activities in the area. Daily rates vary depending on the time of day and length of stay.

Who are the people on the outside panels of the building, by the restaurant?

From South 2nd Street to the Mississippi River side: Sir Tyrone Guthrie, August Wilson, Lorraine Hansberry, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Anton Chekhov, Eugene O'Neill and George Bernard Shaw.

Does the Guthrie have a dress code?

No, the Guthrie does not have a dress code. Audience members are free to arrive in jeans or tuxedos.

Can the Guthrie donate tickets to my benefit or event?

View the Guthrie ticket donation policy.

How can I receive regular information from the Guthrie?

You can join G-mail, the Guthrie Email Club. Sign up today!

I'm writing a research paper for school about the Guthrie (or American theater or Tyrone Guthrie)? Can you help?

We aren't able to answer every request personally or provide assistance with research, but we have compiled a bibliography of information about the Guthrie Theater, Tyrone Guthrie, resident theaters, theater architecture and a few of our productions. Please also refer to the Past Plays and Theater History pages in the About the Guthrie section of this site. Theater scholars and professionals may request information by contacting our reference librarian.