Open Book

Open Book (Minnesota Book & Literary Arts Building) provides a home for literary and book arts, igniting the imagination of all who visit.

Open Book (Minnesota Book & Literary Arts Building) is a space for everyone, a public gathering place for contemplation, collaboration, and creativity, and venue for literary and book arts activities that would not otherwise take place.

Since opening its doors as the only literary and book arts facility of its kind in the nation, Open Book continues to inspire people of all ages, and from all walks of life. Each day, Open Book attracts writers, readers, artists, and passersby to attend a reading or performance, check out a book arts exhibit, take a writing class, buy a book, learn more about publishing, or just wander the space, soaking up the subtle hints of history, original artwork, and palpable creative vibe. The building also houses a locally owned cafe, book arts gift shop, and plenty of space to just sit and hang out.

Driven by a shared commitment to the book, both as an idea and a tangible art, and the need for a sustainable home, Minnesota nonprofits The Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Editions, and Minnesota Center for Book Arts came together in 2000 to form the one-of-a-kind organization. The founding tenants overcame strategic and financial challenges, raising $6.75 million from individual, corporate, and foundation funders, and set up shop in three artfully renovated, contiguous warehouse buildings on Washington Avenue.

In the last decade, Open Book has helped revitalize its once-run-down neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis. Previously equated with sprawling parking lots and dilapidated liquor stores, the warehouse district is now home to thriving arts institutions, including Open Book, the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, MacPhail Center for Music and more.

Donations to Open Book (Minnesota Book & Literary Arts Building) support a spirited community of writers, readers, and artists and a unique, sustainable home for literary and book arts. Thank you for your contribution.

To learn more about Open Book, visit http://openbookmn.org