Basilica of Saint Mary

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The Basilica of Saint Mary--Catholic
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
The Basilica of Saint Mary in 2007
The Basilica of Saint Mary in 2007
Location: Hennepin Ave. at 16th St.
Minneapolis, MN
Coordinates: 44°58′23.01″N 93°17′9.49″W / 44.9730583, -93.2859694Coordinates: 44°58′23.01″N 93°17′9.49″W / 44.9730583, -93.2859694
Built/Founded: 1907
Architect: Masqueray,E.L.
Architectural style(s): Classical Revival, Other
Added to NRHP: March 26, 1975
NRHP Reference#: 75000985 [1]
Governing body: Private

The Basilica of Saint Mary was the first basilica established in the United States of America, honored by Pope Pius XI in 1926. It is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Recognized as one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the country, the Basilica of Saint Mary was constructed between 1907 and 1915 to the design of celebrated Franco-American architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray. Dominating its own city block on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, the Basilica of Saint Mary is a grand architectural landmark housing a bustling and lively urban community.

Since 1966 it has served as co-cathedral of the Cathedral of Saint Paul of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

In 1991 the old copper roof was replaced with a newer one to stop the water damage and leaks that were occurring. Restoration work on the exterior and damaged plaster within the church is ongoing.

Historical photo of The Basilica of Saint Mary
Historical photo of The Basilica of Saint Mary

Since 1995, the site has been host to the Basilica Block Party weekend music festival. Proceeds have gone toward repairing the aging structure and assisting the needs of poor families in the area. Furthermore, DeLaSalle High School uses the church for its commencement ceremonies every spring.


[edit] References

  1. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2006-03-15).

[edit] External links

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