The Landmark Center in St.Paul once served as the United States Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House for the entire state of Minnesota. Today though, it functions as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions and public forums while also hosting countless special events in the community. This evolution is indicative of what it can mean for a building that would otherwise become decrepit or knocked down to tranform into something monumentous.
From USPS to Courthouse to Cultural Center
Work on the Landmark Center was begun in 1892 and complete in 1902. It originally served as the Federal Court House and Post Office for the Upper Midwest. The two massive towers are the most distinctive features of the building, one of which houses a clock. The interior features a five-story courtyard with a massive skylight and rooms with 20-foot ceilings, appointed with marble and carved mahogany finishes.
While the building always served as an important icon on the region, it was not always properly taken care of, as the marble walls of the main entrance lobby were pained over, while the stained glass skylight was roofed over on the outside and painted over on the inside. In 1967, the Federal Government moved its offices to a new building and the old one was scheduled for demolition. However, an effort by determined citizens to see the space transofrmed into a cultural center resulted in a comprehensive renovation between 1972–78 that saw it become home to many prominent Twin Cities arts organizations.
The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and reopened to the public as Landmark Center in 1978. Owned by Ramsey County, the Landmark Center is managed by Minnesota Landmarks, a not-for-profit organization.
Today, the the Landmark Center is home to numerous museums and exhibits. These numerous features showcase what it means to experience the Landmark Center and the history of the region in countless ways.
Experiences and Activities
The Landmark Center houses Anita’s Cafe, the Landmark Gift Shop, five gallery spaces, and a number of St. Paul’s premier arts and culture organizations.
The Gallery of Wood Art offers an often surprising and always engaging view of contemporary works created in wood and also features educational exhibits, a display of vintage lathes, and a gallery gift store offering turned items, books and DVDs. The Schubert Club Museum’s 4,500-square-foot space is located on the 2nd floor. An interpretive guide in the orientation space introduces guests to this museum. They will also encounter a massive sculpture of instruments upon their entry.
“Uncle Sam Worked Here” is an interactive interpretive exhibit that gives visitors a glimpse into federal courts, wartime activities, prohibition, immigration plus many more events and activities that occurred in Landmark Center over the past 105 years. The exhibit showcases literal pieces of history along with a timeline of events.
These exhibits and spaces throughout the Landmark Center continue to evolve, and special exhibits pop up throughout the year to showcase different pieces of history. Various lectures and other events are directly associated with these exhibits, and these continual developments attracts the attention of both residents and tourists.
These experiences have directly impacted the culture and economy of St. Paul in a manner that continues to generate a positive impact on each.
A Hub for the Culture and Economy of St. Paul
Contributions can easily be made to Minnesota Landmarks, Inc. by cash, check, credit card or stock transfer. This direct source of revenue is just a small example of the impact the building has and continues to have on the community though.
Special occassions can be booked and planned on a regualar basis, and those events can include anything from weddings to events to parties. Countless events take place at the building throughout the year. Summer arts programs connect audiences of all ages with a variety of local visual artists and their creative process, providing a unique showcase for local artists’ work from June through August.
The Landmark Git Shop is located on the first floor, near the Visitor Information Center. It features gifts, books, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs and cards, all of which provide a direct source of revenue for the Landmark Center. The building has also been an incubator for the arts, providing a central place where resident cultural organizations can network, exhibit, perform, and share space and expertise. 15 nonprofit organizations call Landmark Center home, contributing to its valuable role as “an incubator for the arts.”
Right outside of the Landmark Center are statues that honor Saint Paul native Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts characters. Visitors can easily interact with sculptures of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Linus. The proceeds from the past Peanut statue promotions have funded the Charles M. Schulz fund, established to create and maintain the bronze sculptures. The Landmark Center is also prominently featured in various messaging and advertisements that are designed to appeal to both residents and tourists.
While event options along with specific catering and photography options are readily available, the building is a public space, and generally it does not charge for non-commercial, one-time photo sessions. Many different prom and wedding shoots have taken place at the location. This openness has contributed to the cultural impact of the building that resonates throughout the area and beyond.
Incubating a Legacy
The Landmark Center welcomes 235,000 visitors each year, many of whom do not live in the area. However, the community programs that continue to be free or low cost do attract the attention of locals. The history and ever-evolving legacy of the building attracts both residents and visitors to showcase what it can mean for a structure become an incubator of the arts and much more for an entire region.
