Minneapolis Central Library

Minneapolis Central Library is a modern public library on Nicollet Mall with five stories above ground and two levels below. The structure combines concrete, glass, and limestone, featuring a large central atrium and multiple specialized zones for different visitors.

The city's library system was founded in 1885, and the current building designed by architect César Pelli opened in 2006. This new structure represented a major renewal of the public library service in Minneapolis.

The library hosts rotating exhibitions in the Cargill Gallery and holds collections in over 30 languages that represent the city's diversity. Visitors encounter materials that speak to different communities and offer both local and international viewpoints.

The building offers 300 public computers, multiple meeting rooms, and specialized spaces including a Teen Tech Center and a Patent and Trademark Resource Center. Visitors should know the facility is quite large and easy to navigate with clear signage and information desks throughout.

The library's roof features a large green space designed to handle sun and drought, creating an unexpected outdoor area on top of the building. A massive central atrium brings daylight deep into many areas, making the experience of reading and learning here unusually open and bright.

Location: Minneapolis

Inception: 1885

Architects: César Pelli

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Floors above the ground: 5

Floors below the ground: 2

Elevators: 6

Made from material: concrete, glass, limestone

Part of: Hennepin County Library

Address: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone: +16125438000

Website: https://hclib.org/minneapoliscentral

GPS coordinates: 44.98056,-93.27000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:23