Foshay Tower Museum

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Foshay Tower Museum Map
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Foshay Tower Museum

Dominated skyline for 40 years

821 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
+1 612 359 3030

The Foshay Tower is without a doubt the most recognizable landmark in the Twin Cities and has one of the most interesting histories behind it. Plumbing magnate Wilbur Foshay built this endearing homage to the Washington Monument in 1929. However, he was not around very long to enjoy it. After he had commissioned John Philip Sousa to write a rousing march for the tower's pretentious three-day opening, his check to the composer bounced and Foshay found himself being whisked off to prison shortly after the building's completion. At 447 feet housing 32 stories, the Foshay Tower was the tallest building in the Midwest for more than 40 years. It was dwarfed by the IDS Tower in 1973 and by other skyscrapers built since then, but it still offers the only bird's-eye view of the city open to the public. The open-air observation deck on the 31st floor is the only one of its kind in town, indoors or out, and on a clear day you can see for 30 miles. Also on the 31st floor, there is a museum, which includes photos, videos and sheet music for John Philip Sousa's Foshay Tower-Washington Memorial March. The 32-story obelisk has such a novel design that the architects had it patented, and Foshay's limitless ego led him to carve his name in 10-foot letters at the top. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. The tower is open April-October.

Review © 2009, Wcities

Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Brennen Jensen	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: pr9000 (Paul Rinkes)	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Joshua Yetman	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Dan Hendricks	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Lianne Habinek	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Homemade	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Michael Hartford	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: bikepunk
Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Brett	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: craig willford	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: Peter Hoh	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: djdehnke	Foshay Tower Museum Photo: John Robinson