Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is a major cultural institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving as a cornerstone of the Twin Cities arts scene. Founded through the philanthropic vision of Sally Ordway Irvine, the center opened in 1985 and has since become a premier venue for musical theatre, orchestral music, and dance. It is renowned for its distinctive architectural design and its role as the primary performance home for several of the region's most prominent arts organizations.

History

The center's development was spearheaded by philanthropist Sally Ordway Irvine, daughter of 3M co-founder Lucius Ordway, who donated $10 million to launch the project. Groundbreaking occurred in 1983 on land provided by the City of Saint Paul, with significant additional support from the State of Minnesota and private donors. The venue opened to the public on January 1, 1985, with a gala concert featuring the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Its creation was a catalyst for the revitalization of Downtown Saint Paul and the adjacent Rice Park historic district. Over the decades, the Ordway has undergone several renovations, including a major expansion completed in 2015 that added a new music theater and enhanced public spaces.

Architecture and facilities

Designed by the architectural firm Bentz/Thompson/Rietow, the Ordway's exterior features a distinctive glass atrium and a curved, fan-like facade. The interior houses two primary performance spaces: the 1,900-seat Concert Hall, modeled after traditional European opera houses with excellent acoustics for symphonic work, and the 317-seat McKnight Theatre, an intimate, flexible black-box space. The 2015 expansion, designed by HGA Architects and Engineers, added the 1,100-seat Music Theater, specifically engineered for Broadway-scale musical productions. The complex also includes the Marzitelli Foyer, a grand public gathering space with views of Rice Park.

Programming and resident companies

The Ordway presents a wide array of performances, including national touring productions of Broadway shows, contemporary dance ensembles, and popular music concerts. It serves as the principal performance venue for four resident arts companies: the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, one of the nation's premier chamber orchestras; the Minnesota Opera, a leading producer of new and classic works; the Schubert Club, a historic Minnesota presenter of recital and chamber music; and the Theatre de la Jeune Lune, prior to its closure. The center also produces its own original musical theater presentations under the "Ordway Presents" banner and hosts the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival.

Management and funding

The Ordway is operated by the non-profit Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (organization), governed by a board of directors. Its financial model relies on a mix of earned revenue from ticket sales, significant philanthropic contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors like Target Corporation and 3M, and grants from organizations such as the Minnesota State Arts Board and the National Endowment for the Arts. The 2015 expansion was funded through a $42 million capital campaign, "Stage the Future," which included major gifts from the State of Minnesota, the City of Saint Paul, and private donors like the McKnight Foundation.

Impact and recognition

The Ordway has had a profound impact on the cultural and economic landscape of Saint Paul and the broader Midwest region. It is credited with significantly boosting downtown vitality and attracting millions of visitors to its performances and events. The center has received numerous accolades, including awards from the American Institute of Architects for its architectural design. Its educational and community engagement programs, such as the "Ordway Education" initiatives, reach thousands of students annually across Minnesota. The Ordway's success has solidified the Twin Cities' reputation as a major national center for the performing arts.

Category:Performing arts centers in Minnesota Category:Music venues in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:Buildings and structures in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:Theatres in Minnesota Category:1985 establishments in Minnesota