Walter Library (Digital Technology Center), Minneapolis
The newly-restored 1924 Walter Library at the University of Minnesota now hosts cutting-edge digital technology, blending the charm of a bygone era with modern innovation. This reinvention required over two years of effort and a hefty $63.4 million investment. Renowned restoration experts Conrad Schmitt Studios teamed up with architects Drew Bjorklund and Bill Beyer of Stageberg Beyer Sachs, Inc. to bring new life to the historic landmark. Their work included restoring the intricate plaster and decorative painting in the public areas and updating the building’s barrel-vaulted lighting to meet today’s safety standards, all without losing a bit of its classic grandeur.
Designed in the grand Beaux-Arts tradition by Minnesota State Architect Clarence H. Johnston Sr., Walter Library shares Northrop Mall’s stately aesthetic, featuring a red brick façade trimmed with Bedford limestone and a majestic Ionic colonnaded portico. Inside, a recurring motif of the owl—symbolizing wisdom and knowledge—is woven into the building’s decor. In fact, there are a whopping 225 owl engravings throughout the library, and a cozy basement eatery is aptly named the Wise Owl Café.
Designed in the grand Beaux-Arts tradition by Minnesota State Architect Clarence H. Johnston Sr., Walter Library shares Northrop Mall’s stately aesthetic, featuring a red brick façade trimmed with Bedford limestone and a majestic Ionic colonnaded portico. Inside, a recurring motif of the owl—symbolizing wisdom and knowledge—is woven into the building’s decor. In fact, there are a whopping 225 owl engravings throughout the library, and a cozy basement eatery is aptly named the Wise Owl Café.
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Walter Library (Digital Technology Center) on Map
Sight Name: Walter Library (Digital Technology Center)
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Create Your Own Walk in Minneapolis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Minneapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Minneapolis Introduction Walking Tour
Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota, straddling the Mississippi River. Together with neighboring Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota, it forms the metropolitan area collectively known as the "Twin Cities."
Before European settlement, the site of Minneapolis was inhabited by Dakota people. The settlement was founded along Saint Anthony Falls — the only natural waterfall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Before European settlement, the site of Minneapolis was inhabited by Dakota people. The settlement was founded along Saint Anthony Falls — the only natural waterfall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Saint Paul Introduction Walking Tour
Saint Paul is a fantastic example of a city that has grown through a diverse range of cultures. The location near the Mississippi River helped make what would later become the city a significant center of local trade. The Dakota Sioux tribe were among the earliest residents, and European settlement that included French-Canadian fur traders and Catholic missionaries occurred during the 1830s to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus Walking Tour
Founded in 1851, seven years before Minnesota became a state, the University of Minnesota is one of the largest educational institutions in the United States. The university campus in the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, spread along the bank of the Mississippi River, is a sprawling hub renowned for its rich academic environment and vibrant life.
One of the central gathering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
One of the central gathering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Historical Churches
The "City of Lakes”, Minneapolis, doesn't pride itself solely on the lakes. In fact, you will be amazed by how many churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship are found throughout the city. These sacred structures have played a significant role in the development of Minneapolis and continue to serve as pillars of faith and community. Let's take a look at some of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles