The Musical Heart of St. Paul: Looking back at 40 years of the Ordway  

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has long been a cherished landmark of the Twin Cities, offering a welcoming space where our ever-dynamic community can come together to celebrate the arts. Beyond its reputation as a world-class venue, the Ordway’s primary goal has always been to serve the community, providing a stunning home for artistic expression and cultural connection. As part of The Arts Partnership — which includes the Minnesota Opera, The Ordway, The Schubert Club, and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra — the Ordway’s expansion was driven by a shared vision of fostering artistic growth and creating opportunities for the community to come together, united by the joy of music. 

A centerpiece of this expansion was the creation of a warm and inviting 1,100-seat concert hall, carefully placed on the site of the McKnight Theatre to make the most of the existing space. The $39 million investment reflects the commitment to ensuring the Ordway remains a vital and inspiring place for music, theater, and opera, with the community’s needs at its heart. The Ordway’s lobby, known for its towering windows and stunning views of Rice Park, was also expanded with care and respect for its original design. This design preserves breathtaking views of St. Paul landmarks like the Cathedral, Landmark Center, and the St. Paul Hotel, creating a space that feels both expansive and intimate. 

First opened in 2015, the Concert Hall was designed to provide an acoustically perfect environment that brings performers and audiences closer together. The design focuses on warmth and clarity, ensuring every note resonates deeply with each audience member. The hall’s intimate layout fosters a strong connection between artists and audiences, creating experiences that feel both powerful and personal—from the grand swell of a full orchestra to the delicate melodies of a solo violin. 

This project’s success is built on collaboration and community. The architects worked closely with theatrical consultants theatrical consultants and numerous artists and musicians to design a space that fully immerses the audience in music. The Ordway stands as the heart of St. Paul’s arts scene, and we are excited to celebrate 40 years. Thank you for being part of this journey—we look forward to the next 40 years of music-making and community-building with you!