Find your niche at
Open Book.

Open Book is a gathering place, sanctuary, and destination for all who are interested in or inspired by the literary and book arts.


Founding Open Book Organizations

Minnesota Center for Book Arts

MCBA is a nonprofit visual arts center that celebrates the art of the book. We practice letterpress printing, bookbinding, hand papermaking, paper marbling, and more! We offer youth and adult classes, numerous exhibitions annually, and opportunities for artists of all levels.

four people sit at tables while working independently

The Loft Literary Center

The Loft is a haven for readers and writers, one of the largest centers of its kind in the country. We accomplish our work by bringing essential conversations, artists, readers, and learning opportunities together under one roof, including classes, conferences, festivals, events, grants and awards, one-on-one services for writers, residencies, and community engagement.

white books shelves filled with books

Milkweed Editions

Milkweed Editions is an independent publisher of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In addition to publishing, they engage community through online and in-person events.


Additional Tenants at Open Book

hands placing hot stones on a nude person's back as a therapy practice

Doorway Massage

Located within Open Book, Doorway massage focuses on the therapeutic aspect of massage and specializes in deep tissue work. Our therapists are just as intelligent as they are strong and will use their mastery of anatomy to unwind the patterns that are restricting your movement and holding your tension.

FRGMNT Coffee

FRGMNT (frag·ment) - part of the whole:
Neighborhood
Industry
Community
World

Now open at Open Book, FRGMNT Coffee provides unique and quality beverages and treats seven days per week. Stop by to try them for yourself!

Weavers Guild of Minnesota

The Weavers Guild of Minnesota is an 80+ year old organization that boasts one of the largest and most engaged membership bases of any weaving organization in the world. The Weavers Guild of Minnesota has established itself as a nationally-recognized resource for the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing. WGM offers classes and events year round, serving nearly new and experienced fiber artists each year.

New Arab American Theater Works

New Arab American Theater Works is a Minnesota based collective of SWANA (Southwest Asian/North African) playwrights, musicians, and performing artists. They fill a void in the local and national scene where Arab and Muslim Americans frequently lack voice and opportunities.

Open Book Features

 
interior image of a gift shop with merchandise

The Shop at Minnesota Center for Book Arts

On the first floor, The Shop at MCBA offers an array of bookish gifts, cards, handcrafted journals and paper, artists’ books, prints, art supplies, books, and more! Open Tuesday-Saturdays from 10 am-5 pm; open late until 7 pm on Thursdays. Also visit the Online Shop

 
woman stands at a podium on a stage in front of a full audience

Open Book Performance Hall

This intimate, 150-seat space accommodates a range of events and media. Rich brick walls exude a warm welcome for workshops, readings, performances, lectures, or banquets.

 
view from above of a decorative staircase that twists downward in a counterclockwise direction

Gail See Staircase

Designed by sculptor and book artist Karen Wirth, an iconic central staircase evoking the pages and spine of a book, connects the Open Book organizations.

 
small library with bookshelves on three walls and 2 chairs on the left

Loft Resource Library

The Loft's Rachel Anne Gaschott Ritchie Resource Library features books by Minnesota authors, Loft teaching artists, and small presses. The library also includes regional and national literary journals, and books on writing.

Milkweed Books

Milkweed Books is a great place to get all the new releases and books by authors who are sharing their voices through the page. Shop Milkweed Editions titles online anytime, or visit Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm, Thursday until 7 pm, and Sunday, 10 am–2 pm.

 

Open Book Patio

The Open Book patio is an unknown gem in the city. It is the perfect spot in summer to talk books, art, ideas while taking in a panoramic view of downtown Minneapolis.

 
chairs at a table with exterior windows

Open Book Meeting Rooms

Open Book has multiple spaces for rent, including this second floor convening space, ready for your meeting, retreat, or event. Learn more on our rentals page.

 
open room with shelves filled with art materials  on 2 sides and floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall

MCBA Artist Studios

MCBA studios are a haven for hobbyists and professional artists alike who practice bookbinding, letterpress printing, papermaking, paper marbling, screen printing, and related arts. Gain 24/7 independent studio and equipment access through the Artist Collective

Literary Commons Atrium Area

The atrium areas on the second floor is a refuge from the busy city. Perfect for writing groups, book clubs, study sessions, and other conversations, this seating area on the second floor of Open Book is a perfect gathering spot.

 
hallway with many doors to small spaces. A man sits in one of the rooms writing at a desk

Loft Writing Studios

The Loft offers private writing studios for rent; each room has what you need for uninterrupted writing. Contact The Loft at 612-215-2575 or email loft@loft.org for more information on renting.

 
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MCBA Main Gallery

The MCBA Main Gallery houses rotating exhibitions dedicated to sharing the work of emerging and world-class book artists. It’s free and open to the public. To see what’s currently on view, visit this link.

 

The Outlook Gallery

The Outlook Gallery at MCBA is a unique window gallery space at the front of the Open Book building, visible day and night to hundreds of passersby along Washington Avenue. Visit this link to see what’s on view today.

Open Book engages and inspires a spirited community devoted to the book, both as an idea and a tangible art. Your support makes possible a unique, sustainable home for the literary and book arts

 

Make a donation to Open Book; your gift is an investment in the future of this community.

 
 

1011 Washington Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Hours
9 am to 9 pm Tuesday -Friday
9 am to 6 pm Saturday-Monday

Tenant hours vary from building hours

Contact
admin@openbookmn.org