Christ Church Lutheran Free Doors Open Minneapolis Tour

“If a building is honest, the architecture is religious.” These are the words of renowned Finnish-American architect Eliel Saarinen, designer of the sanctuary of Christ Church Lutheran. Saarinen’s “honest” use of light, brick, stone, concrete and wood create a space of stunning simplicity, tranquility, and spirituality. Since its construction in 1949, it has been the focus of fascination by architects, photographers, students, and those seeking a place of worship, community, beauty and solace.

Christ Church Lutheran is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in January 2009. In 1977, the building received the American Institute of Architects’ 25-Year Award, crediting the influence of the building on church design in the second half of the 20th century. In the award, the AIA described the church as “ a living symbol of architectural integrity . . . a building with great dramatic effect and architectural impact, and yet which retains a very human scale and possesses a feeling of serenity and repose.”

Building tours take place the second Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. and are led by a trained tour guide. No reservations necessary–just meet the guide at the church entrance.
Private tours are by appointment; please contact the church office (mail@christchurchluth.org) to be connected to a docent for a private tour.
Donations for tours are appreciated. All proceeds from tours benefit the Friends of Christ Church Lutheran, the non-sectarian 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the building.