Basilica of Saint Mary

Came here as part of Doors Open Minneapolis. I visited around noon and you could hear the bells ringing from the other side of town. Most of the churches in this area popped up around the same time near 1907. Gotta give it to the catholics for making the grandest one. The first basilica in the US too. The building is undergoing renovations to freshen up the walls and paint but that doesn't take away from its magnificance. There was a service going on at the time and it was wonderful to hear the chorus of people's voices echoing through the hall. There's a small museum of wooden religious artwork in the basement along with small artifacts from different parts of the world. People were friendly and didn't try to preach anything I didn't want to hear. Most conversations I had were regarding the building itself. Very respectful.

Our oldest son was married here and it was the most beautiful ceremony. The church is amazing and beautiful. A very reverent place for the sacrament of marriage. I know you can tour it, I will go back and tour it someday. It’s so amazing. They have a holy door.

Quite the beautiful and elaborate Basilica! I love the fact that we have a Basilica here in Minnesota that is devoted to Mary! One of the side altars on the Epistle side dedicated to good St. Joseph is a beautiful place of prayer. The Choir Stalls behind the Sanctuary and the Organ are amazing, too. It is in need of much repair, though, the water damage is bad, and it hurts that it's been like this for years, with no one seeming to step up and donate the money needed for the cause to repair it all. If there are any out there with money, be charitable and generous and please fix Mother Mary's Church! I wish someone would throw out all the "modern art" too, which has been placed around the inside of the Church. The Sacred Holding Place of God (The Temple of God) is not to be cluttered with junk! To have modern art in a Church is NOT fitting and proper; please read Cannon Law, and you will understand.

We were there for a wedding. Our first time inside the church. It is very beautiful and the stained glass windows are gorgeous. It was hard to access, with no clear signage to properly direct you to the appropriate entrance. A number of entrances were locked down or exit only, I assume due to security issues. Parking can be an issue as well. Because we were unfamiliar, there may have been another alternative for parking that was off the primary site.

Beautiful church. Beautiful building. I LOVE all the stained glass windows of Biblical figures.

Absolutely beautiful, such a spiritual experience!!!!! Words and photos will never portray the beauty of this place!!!

Very cool architecture, very cool history. One of the more beautiful churches I’ve seen

A wedding in this stunning church is amazing and the music is ethereal. Iconic spot in Minneapolis

The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, MN is a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture and spiritual significance. Its stunning Gothic design, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate details create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The basilica's rich history and vibrant community make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a glimpse into the city's religious and cultural heritage. Whether you're a devout worshipper or an admirer of art and history, the Basilica of Saint Mary is a place that leaves a lasting impression. Street parking

I'm not religious of a person, however, as I walked into this church, I felt calm and relaxed. This is named as one of the historic buildings here. Ancient style architecture with a grand entrance. Even the ceiling of the hallways has a lot of details. It was about noon time on a Sunday, they were about to start service so I didn't have to chance to go closely to appreciate the architectural details inside the building.

I love it here! This place is so beautiful especially during the day (which I do highly recommend the 1130am Mass on Sundays). I have been coming to Sunday Mass here now for awhile and everytime I walk up the steps it brings me so much joy and happiness. It is just a beautiful environment for a beautiful day and moment. The Priests here are also incredible, there is always security as well to ensure that there are no homeless etc. walking around so that you can enjoy the beautiful sacrament of Mass.

What great memories of the Basilica of St Mary. A must see in Minneapolis especially if you are visiting the sculpture garden.

Just beautiful. When we travel I love to take my girls to different Catholic Churches so they can learn to appreciate the beauty of our faith. This is most definitely one of those places.

This architectural marcel sits near Loring Park. It gained basilica status in the 20th century and on the surface it lives up to its status. I had the chance to attend a service here last year and was blown away by the interior features. Regardless if you are religious or not, go attend a service and bask in the architectural features that make this Basilica a historic gem.

Absolutely stunning inside. Didn't attend mass but the organist happened to be practicing while I walked around which made for an absolutely beautiful experience. The stained glass is magnificent with the sun shining through. The architectural details especially of the ceiling and around the altar are remarkable. Would definitely recommend stopping in even just for 10 minutes to walk around or sit for a rest. Of note they have little pamphlets about the church's history near the doors at the back.

The Basilica. Better than the Thyme-ica, the Oregano-ica, and the Cardamomica. But not, apparently, the harmonica. This is an absolutely gorgeous spectacular religious building close to the heart of downtown Minneapolis that soars over the landscape and inspires as it stuns and delights. There are a lot of nice buildings in the Minneapolis area - some are old school some are new - but I have to say this Basilica may well be the prettiest structure in the region.

A beautiful church with wonderful history to be sure. Their pipe organ is fantastic, and they have a skilled organist to play it properly. About the only bummer of our visit was finding the congregation to be a bit stuffy and unfriendly. In any case, I would certainly visit here again.

I only got to see it from the outside, but even that makes me think I should take my folks here when they come to visit.

We came here to check it out. The church is on the corner of the busy highway. But it does overlook some beautiful scenery. The large city is in the backdrop, as well as the beautiful spoon with a cherry and blue rooster. The church itself seems very well kept, especially for being 150 years old. The antique like structures with the stained glass, gold crosses and other beautiful things makes it unique. Mass had just gotten out when we arrived. It was a giant church with a very large praying area. It's a great spot to I guess pray.

A breathtakingly beautiful basilica located in Downtown Minneapolis! I was in town for my daughter's 3 day tournament that was taking place Easter weekend at the Convention Center. I decided to visit as soon as I had free time and am SO glad I did! There's a free parking lot in back, as well as street parking and a structure across the street. I was able to attend mass on Easter Day and it was just amazing. The beauty of the cathedral coupled with the men's and women's choirs was an experience I'll never forget! No matter what religious affiliation you may have (or lack thereof), definitely make the time to stop in for a visit if you appreciate amazing architecture/beautiful things!

Photos don't do the Basilica justice. It's breathtakingly beautiful and I'm so glad I had the chance to visit. I went during Christmas time and it was completely decorated. I didn't attend a service here but I'm told during the holidays it gets so packed that they actually have to turn people away because the building can't hold anymore. The stain glass windows are beautiful and the don't forget to look up, the ceilings are also worth looking at. Photos are allowed and I found everyone here to be very nice and willing to provide information about the building. Even if you aren't religious, the architecture is something you should see.

I attended the early-morning mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary during my visit to Minneapolis. Magnificent church, beautiful message, & very friendly, welcoming parishioners. The first Basilica established in the United States, the Basilica of Saint Mary is a beautiful example of Neoclassical, Renaissance Revival, & Baroque architecture. It is an absolute work of art, & is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. You could probably spend hours here enjoying the beauty of the campus, & I highly recommend visiting.

Beautiful Catholic Church just off Downtown Minneapolis, Mass is Spiritually Heart Breakingly Great. It takes you back to an Era of Architectural Splender and takes You back in time, Imagining what It must have been like in the days of Pre~Modernity, It felt soo amazing To see, hear, and feel the Lord in Such a majestic Sanctuary...wow go see this as a masterpiece in historical Architecture or even more spend an hour and a half in Mass. BEAUTIFUL SPOT TO BE!!!

It is a beautiful church but they do not practice Canon Law and traditional Roman Catholic teaching. The priest was rude and unwelcoming. I was in town visiting for the weekend and looking forward to going to mass, my home away from home (since the Catholic Church is universal, mass should be mostly the same everywhere). I was denied communion on the tongue. The priest yelled at me as he held the Eucharist during communion, "no we don't do that here". This is the first basilica in America. I cannot express how upset and angry I am with how I was treated. The Basilica name should be revoked from this church unless they recognize this wrong doing. A basilica must stand out as a center of active and pastoral liturgy, especially through celebrations of the Most Holy Eucharist (https://www.usccb.org/committees/divine-worship/policies/minor-basilica ). Those who receive Communion may receive either in the hand or on the tongue, and the decision should be that of the individual receiving, not of the person distributing Communion. The universal law of the Latin rite is that we receive Communion on the tongue. To receive in the hand is an indult or special permission (https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/canonical-faculties) that does not exist in most parts of the world. I believe it is only the bishop that can require all of the clergy to only receive by the tongue to protect the blessed sacrament. By law, it is a right of the faithful to receive on the tongue, and the faithful must not have their rights denied. The Vatican promotes Communion on the tongue not only for its long tradition but because it "expresses the faithful's reverence for the Eucharist" and "removes the danger of profanation of the sacred species" (Memorial Domini 1277). Aside from the rights we have as Catholics that were violated at this Parrish, the priest was disgustingly rude with his absurd seen during Communion. To disrespect our Lord and to deny someone communion like that is humiliating and leaves that person pretty upset. After mass, most of the clergy left in a hurry, I sat there for a few minutes with my boyfriend in prayer after the mass. The priest walks right by us when no one else was left in the church and did not say a word to me. How in humane and despicable. This is God's church, not the man who this priest is. Get over your control issues, you may be a priest but you are not the powerful man in the room, start serving our Lord respectfully, now!

If Jesus would of assented from above and started singing with the choir during midnight mass on Christmas Eve, I wouldn't of all of been surprised.. A must go to event!!!

We were in Minneapolis for a visit and saw this beautiful church from the interstate so we had to make a stop. We found the Basilica St. Mary...a wonderful Catholic community and a beautiful church. This facility was begun at the turn of the century in 1900 and finished around 1926. It is an active parish today, this year celebrating the 100th anniversary of its 1915 dedication. Pope Pius XI named it a minor basilica in 1926...the first such church in the United States to gain that status. With beautiful art and architecture throughout, this is a landmark for the Catholic community of Minneapolis. Inside it was recently renovated and everything looks fresh. This is well worth a visit to see a part of Minneapolis' history. It even has a neat Website...www.mary.com

I am shocked there are not more reviews posted of this magnificent church. I'm not catholic but i'm always awed by the majestic beauty of these huge gorgeous churches. No matter your faith it's a work of art .. from floor to ceiling and of course the stained glass. There was not a charge to visit but all churches will gladly accept donations. This was one of the most impressive churches we've visited in the US. If your in the area make a point to stop by.

Located a bit south of downtown in what appears to be a slightly poorer area the Basilica of Saint Mary stands proud and welcoming to all, a Monday visit finding the historic space tranquil and majestic with plenty of space and relics worth investigating.

We visited this church as it was on the list of obscure things to do in Minneapolis and I love architecture and old things. The church was open when we went on Sunday, you can enter free of charge, we went between masses so I'd recommend that to avoid people there to actual patronize. The inside and outside is stunning. I wasn't expecting such a massive church, but it did not fail the traditional over the top architecture of a good church that is financially well backed. The stained glass inside was beautiful. If you are a lover of churches, art, or architecture this is worth a look.

America's oldest Basilica: off Hennepin, near the intersection of very busy 94 and 394 freeways, and the glorious site of my friend's wedding ceremony. I'm not astute enough to tease out large differences between the St Paul Cathedral in St Paul (not London, you sillywilly) and this one...to me, similar in size and shape, similar in architectural style, and grand. ushering in the mystical aspects of spirituality....for one, the power of an Omniscient Father God, the Almighty. I was lucky to have come here and have the honor of witnessing their nuptial. Happy too that this dear couple had already vacayed in SF and its Bay Area so that I wasn't meeting the groom for the first time (that's always no good, from a female POV). The cantor was so, so talented. The violinist, the pianist, and the cantor...gorgeous choral singing. It made my heart worshipful and humble before Him....Praise and Worship God: the purpose of life. I had a good laugh at the reception. A new friend's husband said, verbatim, "I grew up here in MPLS. Every time I go in the Basilica, there's just something.... very spiritual about it!" (hmmm. maybe that's cuz we're in a church, bud!!!!!!!) I was snickering with my face to the wine, wine glass held up to shield my amusement. And the kicker is: I sat next to the Father who sealed the deal for them at the reception as well. Hey, no prob with that. I love peeps, collared or not!

Stunning! Breathtaking! I love to visit local churches & admire their beauty. The Basilica of St Mary does not disappoint! This beautiful Catholic Church is located in downtown Minneapolis. It opened in 1907. It is the size of a city block. The outside architecture is beautiful but just wait until you get inside! The stain glass windows are amazing. Don't forget to look up and admire the dome ceilings! Be mindful of the service schedules. They also have a small gift shop where you can buy Catholic items perfect to bring back as souvenirs.

Of all the churches, this one tops the cake for me. It hadn't to do with anything that I like about the architecture of churches but rather this feeling that washes over you when you enter. There were these beautiful hymns in the background you see and if ever my heart was restless created a good antidote to soothe it. The cieling though, I was in love with the colours, the bluest of blues and beautiful golds, I sort of lost myself for a bit looking up at it.

This Basilica is one of the most beautiful and spiritually nourishing Catholic churches in the country. Every other church I have visited has failed to live up to the Basilica of St. Mary. The staff and volunteers have worked hard to cultivate a welcoming and accepting community at the Basilica with classes, spiritual and culturally diverse events and activities, an eclectic variety of mass styles, art exhibits, charitable community outreach ministries and more. I recently attended a mass where Fr. Bauer stressed the importance of women and the development of women in the Catholic Church. This is one incredible example of the refreshingly progressive spirit many will find at the Basilica. Even if you are just visiting the Cities, you should come and take in the splendor of this amazing place of worship (Catholic or not).

I was visiting Minneapolis with my husband and sister in law and thought that it would be cool to go to mass in the oldest basilica in the country. While the church itself was beautiful, I was embarrassed by what I felt was the absolute worst homily I have ever heard in a mass ever. Apparently, the week we were there, the archbishop of Minneapolis stepped down in reaction to poorly dealt with pedophile priests, which is a very unfortunate and disappointing situation. So, I can kind of understand bringing that up during the homily, offering the congregation a pretty weak apology for the exploitation of children. But the real kicker was what happened next. After discussing the embarrassing priest scandal, the rest of the homily was about the importance of financial stewardship and how much money the basilica needs. So, for my non-Catholic sister-in-law, the first mass she has ever been to they not only confirmed the public's opinion on pedophiliac priests, but reinforced the bad perception of Catholics by asking for money. I don't think the priest even discussed the readings. Perhaps in light of the scandal the priest should have brought up finances on another day. This is such a sad example of how so much of the church has really lost the point of what our faith is about and as a practicing Catholic, it made me livid to think that any priest would think this was an appropriate forum to discuss both issues simultaneously with no actual reference to the readings or anything. It completely ruined my experience at a pretty church with an interesting history. It doesn't matter how beautiful a church is, if the leadership is so disconnected from their faith that they can't see this was a completely inappropriate display of Catholicism, I can't in good faith support what I think totally disregards the message of the gospel.

This entry comes as part of my yearlong experiment exploring Christianity... I'll admit it. I cried at church on Sunday.Now, I am a crier. But I was really amazed by the service I attended at The Basilica of St. Mary. Music. Music that wasn't hokey. Real Church Music. I might not have much experience with the whole church deal, but I think this is what it should feel like. Not like we are partying down with Jesus, but like we are trying to communicate with a God that is too big to understand. I went to the 6:30pm service, because I was still cuddled into my bed in the morning. The Basilica is beautiful at night. I sang, I watched at people practiced their rituals. I did not take communion or try to cross myself (which to me looks like swatting flies.) I cried really hard when the Priest (Father?) spoke about Haiti. Think I have been holding that in for awhile. It was nice to let it out. The collection plate money went to an organization of a man in Haiti that had been the guest speaker at church the week before. He was injured in the earthquake. I gave what little cash I had on me. I really enjoyed it. Made me excited for the church services to come. Atmosphere 8/10 Music 8/10 Knowledge Acquired 7/10 Post-Church Snacks 8/10. Lemonade was a little tart.

This is a beautiful church with a lot of history throughout. We went for Sunday Mass at 9:30am & everyone there was friendly; there's even small pamphlets with all the songs & readings for that Mass. As a practicing Catholic it is easy to follow along with the procession & not feel like it is too modern or too traditional, though I believe they have different style Masses at different times. Afterwards there was an opportunity for a short (20min) tour behind the altar, explaining the stained glass windows, & discussing the history of the Basilica. Since there are so many people there, many whom I'm sure are visitors, there's no need to worry about a dress code - jeans & a nice shirt are fine, as are dress clothes. Overall, a great experience & would recommend making a visit!

Attended Saturday 5pm service, at which the ushers handed out dated pamphlets so you were able to follow along with the mass if you weren't already a practicing Catholic. Very welcoming environment Beautiful, elaborate gothic style throughout The pipe organ, located behind the alter, is massive and equally beautiful with the surrounding cherubs and stain glass window décor. Very nice to just walk around and take in at your own pace. Light a candle and say a prayer while you're there.

I once helped someone do a Meals on Wheels run out of this place. It is always nice when a place of faith becomes more than just that, but also an instrument of good will for the community.

Oh how beautiful and serene! We walked through, took pictures and admired the beauty. We talked to a pleasant worker outside who gave us information on where to find brochures. The brochure has information on this specific Basilica and on Basilicas in general. We explored inside and outside and never felt rushed. A very peaceful experience. I would highly recommend.

I love the Basilica! As a lifelong Catholic, it feels miraculous to go to mass at a parish that affirms LGBTQ folks and promotes the leadership of women. Also, it is one of the most aesthetically gorgeous churches you can visit. There is a great variety of masses depending on your worship preferences. The 9:30am Sunday mass is a 'high mass' featuring all of the pomp and circumstance (incense, choir music, all of the liturgical bells and whistles). I love the Sunday afternoon/evening options- 4:30pm and 6:30pm for a simple mass experience in a beautiful environment. Everyone I've met is welcoming and there are tons of great events including readings, concerts, and learning series. They do an amazing job of serving the poor in the city through their Vincent de Paul ministry and other outreach ministries. A wonderful, inclusive parish community!

The Basilica is beautiful yet has a very different 'feel' when compared to the Cathedral (St Paul). Both are gorgeous, welcoming, and rich in history. To me, the Basilica was more modern in terms of community rooms/events and overall layout. I recommend that everyone check it out. Bring your camera. I'm not officially Catholic but I loved it and everyone I met was very nice. Just plan ahead in terms of parking...

Want to go to heaven? Visit the Basilica of Saint Marys, it's a great first step. I'll see you there. ;)

Beautiful Church! The 6:30pm service is great for non-early risers like myself. Everyone feels welcome and are welcome Catholic and non- Catholic alike!

I do not attend regular church gatherings but I do love the Compline Choir that performs about twice a month on Sunday nights. It's a solace and very special way to be in a meditative community in a stunning setting.