The Minneapolis Central Library which opened Spring 2006, is a vital civic landmark and cultural center for downtown Minneapolis. Replacing an outdated facility, the Library houses the State’s largest public library collection of printed and electronic media.

A landscaped plaza on Nicollet Mall, glass enclosed through-block Atrium with entrances on Nicollet and Hennepin shape the urban character of the building.

The new library is easy to use with at least half of the circulating collections available on open shelves and the remainder in publicly accessible compact shelving. The building includes advanced technology, sustainable design features including a green roof, functional and logical physical arrangements that are customer focused, and an environment of accessibility, safety, comfort, warmth and attractiveness. The Library is a dynamic, resource-rich downtown destination, and an essential community gathering place that inspires learning and interaction.

Architectural Alliance worked with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects on this project.