July 11, 2017, Tuesday - The Basilica of St. Mary Behind the Scenes Walking Tour with Preserve Minneapolis

Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Starting point: Basilica Front Portico, at 88 17th Street North

Hosted by Preserve Minneapolis

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The first United States cathedral to be designated a “Basilica,” this historic building annually draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, and is truly a living landmark. From the 1960s through the 1980s, freeway construction and demographic changes reduced the number of parishioners attending the Basilica, and the building experienced a corresponding decline. Since 1991 there have been over 20 projects to stabilize, preserve, and restore the facilities.

Experience spaces at the Basilica complex that are not generally available to the public. The tour may include access to the Sacristy, Choir Loft, lower bell tower, a peek into the attic and organ pipe chambers, the basement below the Chancel, boiler room, and recently renovated Rectory fourth floor.

The tour guide is Chuck Liddy. This tour will climb circular stairs and/or vertical ladders and is not ADA-accessible. Please wear close-toed shoes with no heels, and no skirts.