Overview
The Basilica of Saint Mary is the first religious building of its kind in the U.S.
- Location: 88 17th Street North
- Neighborhood: Loring Park
| 1916 | 1936 |
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Basilica of Saint Mary
Read about the history and designation of the Basilica of Saint Mary historic landmark.
Architecture
- Architectural Styles: Classical Revival, Baroque Revival
- Architect: Emmanuel Louis Masqueray
Use
- Historic use: Religious
- Current use: Religious
Construction
- Construction date: 1907–1913
- Contractor: Pike and Cook, H. Leighton and Co.
Significance
- Area(s) of Significance: Architecture, Religion
- Period of significance: 1907–1925
- Date of local designation: 1986
- Designation: Exterior and Interior Sanctuary
- Date of National Register designation: 1975
Historic profile
The Basilica of Saint Mary is the first religious building of its kind in the United States. It replaced the Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1871, that had burned down. Plans for the basilica were announced in 1903. Laurence S. Donaldson, a local merchant, donated a one-block parcel for the new church. Construction began in 1907 and the building opened in 1914. The interior was not finished until 1925.
Architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray designed the church in the Classical/Baroque Revival style. It has a grand portico entrance with tall marble columns. There is a stained glass rose window above the portico. This is one of 60 stained glass windows on the building. The worship space can seat almost 3,000 people. The sanctuary is at the north end and features a marble altar. The domed roof above is 138 feet tall. The design shows how the Baroque Revival style influenced church architecture in the early 20th century. Eight double bronze doors were installed in 1954 with various symbols.
The colors used in the church refer to the Virgin Mary, the building's namesake. White stands for purity, blue means truth, red is love, and gold refers to glory.
Credits
Photo credits
- 1916 photo: Charles Hibbard, courtesy of The Minnesota Historical Society
- 1936 photo: Minneapolis Star Journal, courtesy of The Minnesota Historical Society
Works cited
- Charles W. Nelson, "National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: Basilica of Saint Mary," January 1974
- “Heritage Preservation Designation Study: Basilica of Saint Mary,” circa 1986
Contact us
Historic Preservation
Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415