This grand beaux-arts church was the nation's first basilica, taking 20 years to complete. Built during the tenure of Archbishop John Ireland, the enormous white marble building is a marvel to behold. It is 120 feet wide by 278 feet long supporting 133-foot twin towers in the front. One of the towers houses a 3000-pound bell that can be heard for miles around. Over the altar, an ornate dome rises 250 feet and the 56 rank pipe organ echoes throughout. Guided tours are offered every Sunday morning.
Website: mary.org
Phone: (612) 333-1381
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of N 17th St and 16th St N
Closed now
- Tue 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
88 N 17th St Minneapolis, MN 55403 ·863.59 mi
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Amenities
- Accessible
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
Nice visit. The church was beautiful. Remember this is an active church so be mindful of mass. Mass was in service so we didn't get to look around the inside.
MoreThis basilica is an iconic part of the Minneapolis landscape. From its perch on the hill it overlooks the Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center, Loring Park, downtown Hennepin Avenue and the busy traffic junction of Lyndale, Hennepin, Lowry Hill Tunnel and I-94. We have been to all the above many times and always admired the basilica but had never been inside. On November 8, 2025 we found our opportunity by buying tickets to se Luminescence for the 7:30 PM performance with live orchestra and choir. We had a seen a similar show previously (August 2024) in Montreal, Canada. We loved the show, but this one was not quite as good. The most annoying was the loudspeaker narratives talking over the orchestra playing. Other than that we loved seeing the inside finally.
MoreWe visited this beautiful church on a beautiful Sunday in July, with brilliant blue skies and perfect weather. The church is beautiful, especially the stained-glass windows.
MoreGorgeous historic Basilica in the heart of Minneapolis. A beautiful place to pray, sit or tour. Easy small parking lot on the side or easy to Uber.
MoreThe Basilica of Saint Mary has been a foundation of our community for more than a century. It is one of the most recognizable and defining landmarks on the Minneapolis skyline. The Basilica is more than just a structure, however.Whether guiding nearly 12,000 parishioners through their faith journey, amazing visitors with its grandeur, or providing for those who are less fortunate, The Basilica has touched countless lives.The Basilica was built under the leadership and vision of Archbishop John Ireland beginning in 1907. French architect Emanuel Masqueray was handpicked to build what would become one of the area’s finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture.The Basilica of Saint Mary was the first Basilica in the United States and took 20 years to complete what would ultimately become the centerpiece of the community.
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