Doors Open Minneapolis is May 9-10, 2026 . This weekend-long event is basically a city-wide open house with FREE, behind-the-scenes access to cool buildings.
Plan the Best ‘Doors Open’ Day for Your Family
Note that some of these buildings are only participating one day of the weekend. A few buildings are only offering ticketed tours, but most are open to the public.
We recommend reviewing the venue information on the Doors Open Minneapolis website. You can use the map provided to filter for “kids activities” when designing your families perfect line up and make the journey part of the fun by snagging a Metro Transit FREE Ride Pass. Below we share a few favorite kid-friendly opportunities and ideas for types of tours you could design.
Hennepin Teddy Bear Clinic
Date(s): 05/09/2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center, 715 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
Part of Doors Open Minneapolis, The Teddy Bear Clinic invites children to bring their stuffed animals for a day of care. Young attendees can have their plush companions examined by pretend doctors who will perform check-ups, including fake blood pressure and heart rate readings, gentle “injections,” “stitches,” and “x-rays.” The clinic also offers pretend splints or bandages for any imaginary injuries, as well as teddy bear repairs.
Doors Open Bakken
Date(s): 05/09/2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
Engage in a scientific adventure at The Bakken Museum’s West Winds Mansion with interactive exhibits like the Spark exhibit and Mary & Her Monster exhibit. Plus there is so much more! FREE (normally $10-$14/pp). Drop In. All Ages.
Doors Open Como Harriet Streetcar Line-George Isaac's Carbarn
Date(s): 05/09/2026 - 05/10/2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Minnesota Streetcar Museum – Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 2330 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55410
Carbarn Facility: 4291 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Explore the Minnesota Streetcar Museum’s George K. Isaacs carbarn, home to vintage streetcars, work vehicles, and a library. Take a guided tour and enjoy a ride on a historic streetcar. Meet at the station and walk to or ride the streetcar to the carbarn. Tour is FREE. Trolley Rides $3. Drop In. All Ages.
Doors Open Federal Reserve
Date(s): 05/09/2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, 90 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
Don’t miss this popular Doors Open location where you can see $4.6 million in cash on display and explore $1.7 million in shredded money. Discover the lifecycle of currency from creation to your hands and learn about banknote security features. Please note that all visitors must pass through a metal detector and have personal items X-rayed, weapons are strictly prohibited, and complimentary parking is available.
Doors Open FOCI
Date(s): 05/09/2026 - 05/10/2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, 2213 Snelling Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
FOCI Minnesota Center for Glass Arts will be participating in both days of Doors Open Minneapolis. Drop by for guided tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Families can learn a little about stained glass and glassblowing processes free of charge.
Best Day to Visit: Saturday 10am-5pm: Visitors can make their own Stained Glass Pendant.
Highpoint Center Doors Open
Date(s): 05/09/2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 912 W Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55408
Highpoint Center for Printmaking invites the public to view demonstrations of three different printmaking techniques during Doors Open Minneapolis. Learn about screenprinting, intaglio printing from metal plates and relief printing. Then explore the Highpoint space.
MAAHMG - Doors Open
Date(s): 05/09/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery, 1256 Penn Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN, 55411
Since 2018, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) has celebrated Black Minnesotan history, art, and culture through 30+ exhibits and events. This year, explore “I TOO, AM AMERICA” — a multimedia exhibit inspired by Langston Hughes and focusing on the voices of Black Youth.
Open for its regular Saturday hours, MAAHMG will have special kids activities prepared for Doors Open Minneapolis. FREE. Drop In. All Ages.
We would love to hear about your experience during Doors Open Minneapolis. Have you done it in previous years? Where do yo plan to go this year. Leave a comment and et us know how your day goes!
I love the idea of exploring Minneapolis with the family! The variety of activities you mentioned makes it sound like a perfect weekend adventure. Can’t wait to check out some of these doors with my kids! Thanks for sharing!
So, it’s not really about doors, 19. I mean you are welcome to check out the doors, too, but its about exploring cool buildings.
This post got me so excited for Doors Open Minneapolis! I can’t wait to explore the unique places mentioned, especially with my kids. It’s such a great way to spend family time and introduce them to the city’s history and culture. Thanks for sharing these insider tips!
I’m so sorry that you missed it this year. Watch for again in 2026!