Piggybacking what Jason was talking about earlier, there are two more buildings being constructed that are really starting to take shape. The first is the brand new Guthrie Theater. This has been the ambitious project that the Guthrie has been seeking for many years. The new building will have three theaters and a restaurant. Most interesting is the “Endless Bridge” that will look out over the river. This is a 187 foot (if I’m not mistaken) bridge with one end connecting to the theater and one end connecting to nothing. It is a neat design. I hope the parking situation is better than it was before.
The second building is being built where the old Guthrie is currently standing. The Walker Art Center is almost doubling its size. The old Walker has closed its doors and many new and wonderful things are being built. First off, a parking ramp was installed underneath the facility. Where was that when the Guthrie was there, huh?!?!?! A new addition by Herzog & de Meuron is being built behind the existing building. This is another architectural feet. A large corner of the building is sticking way out over the sidewalk. It looks really cool to drive by. They have been putting the outside panels on and are now working diligently to finish the inside.
The Guthrie will not be opening its new doors until the 2005-2006 season. It is supposedly being given the “seal of approval” from past Guthrie actor Patrick Stewart. Word is he loved the theater an awful lot when he peformed here. He wants to follow the building of this theater closely and is hoping to be in a play in its inaugural season.
The Walker is set reopen its doors in February of 2005. A few short months until I can go look at that weird statue of fries hanging from the ceiling. Or maybe that one sculpture where it was a pile of sawdust surrounding an orange cone with police tape posted around it. Or maybe they will actually get some GOOD art…

Related posts:

1. A brand new Cirque…
2. A Midsummer’s Night Dream at The Guthrie
3. Election Night at the Guthrie
4. Where the sidewalk ends…
5. Brokeback Mountain