Was there really a medicinal plant garden here? Before Northrop Memorial Auditorium stood tall, this land nurtured different kinds of life. Today, we gather before Northrop, a monument of learning and culture. It stands at the head of Northrop Mall on the University of Minnesota campus.
Dedicated on October 22, 1929, Northrop has a fascinating story. Its design is credited to Clarence H. Johnston, the state architect. Frederick Mann also sketched ideas for the auditorium.
By the early 20th century, the University of Minnesota needed a central space. Cass Gilbert, who designed the Minnesota State Capitol, created a campus expansion plan. Gilbert envisioned a classically inspired mall with Northrop at its head.
Ground was broken on April 30, 1928, for the 4,847-seat auditorium. It was named after Cyrus Northrop, the university’s second president. He served from 1884 until his death in 1911.
The building rises five stories high. It features an exposed limestone basement. Red-brown brick and stone pilasters decorate the exterior walls. Look closely at the limestone entablature. You will see ornamented flat roundels and dentils.
The south facade faces Northrop Plaza. A shallow portico with Ionic limestone columns marks the entrance. Inscribed on the entablature is the building’s name. Above, another panel reads, “The University of Minnesota: Founded in the Faith that Men are Ennobled by Understanding; Dedicated to the Advancement of Learning and the Search for Truth; Devoted to the Instruction of Youth and the Welfare of the State.”
Inside, Memorial Hall displays tablets with names of the state and university founders. The auditorium featured an elaborate proscenium arch and chandelier.
From the 1930s to 1970s, Northrop was a cultural hub for Minneapolis and St. Paul. It hosted the University Artists Course, bringing international artists to Minnesota. The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra called Northrop home from 1930 to 1974. The Metropolitan Opera also regularly performed here.
Northrop even housed the University Art Gallery. Founded in 1934, it was the first local gallery to acquire modern and American art.
Acoustics became a major concern. Several attempts were made to improve the sound. In 1974, the Minnesota Orchestra moved to Orchestra Hall. Northrop then began hosting pop and rock concerts.
In the 1990s, the university started renovations. A fourth level was added in 1996. This concealed the upgraded air-conditioning system.
Between 2011 and 2014, a major renovation took place. The interior was altered, except for Memorial Hall and the staircases. A three-story addition expanded the stage house. The original balcony was replaced with three new tiers.
Today, Northrop stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to learning and the arts. It has evolved over the years. Yet Northrop remains a vital part of the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities community. Its walls echo with history. They resonate with the promise of future performances.