MINNESOTA MODERN REGISTRY
Click on the map above to view it in full screen.
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Docomomo US/MN is proud to host the Award-Winning Minnesota Modern Registry which documents the wide array of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the modern movement in the state of Minnesota. |
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The sites on our map and in our registry do not represent a complete list of Modern resources in the state. Inclusion of a property on the map does not necessarily mean that it is architecturally or historically significant, rather we have been assembling a broad inventory to begin to understand what resources are currently out there. The “Highlights” layer exists to show properties that board members have pinpointed as being important, unique, or simply crowd favorites. The resources that lie outside Minnesota were determined to have strong enough Minnesota connections to be included in the listing.
We hope that providing a visual representation of Modern sites in the state will allow for a better understanding of the role of these sites in their respective communities and serve as a proactive way to encourage preservation. Our registry committee continues to update our registry and map, which is currently being hosted via Google Maps for the sake of public familiarity, ease of use, and greatest accessibility. Other mapping or spatial methods of representation are possible in the future. We have been working with other organizations and individuals to expand the database and continue to catalog sites, existing and non-extant, into the growing registry. From the information compiled, we are beginning to identify contexts, themes and geographic areas of development relating to the Modern Movement in need of further examination. Using this information, we plan to pursue grants and other incentives to further mapping capabilities and expand data within our registry through survey and more in-depth research initiatives. The Twin Cities-heavy model will serve as an evolving template to expand into more areas outstate as we continue research. Special thanks to board members Bobak Ha'Eri and past board member Rob Skalecki, as well as our Registry Committee, for all their time and effort into making this registry a reality. A running list of sources is located here and frequently updated. For help identifying specific sources for specific buildings or sites please contact us and we will be happy to assist. NORTH AND CENTRAL MN REGISTRY UPDATES 2020 During the summer of 2020, Docomomo US/MN Research Intern Aaron Person conducted a series of field excursions photographing modernist structures and sites across central and northern Minnesota. He photographed hundreds of buildings and residences across more than a dozen counties, adding visual context to existing listings in the Minnesota Modern Registry. Here are some of the highlights –> Feedback RequestedWe look forward to hearing about your experience using our map and any feedback or ideas you might have!
As you browse the map, what are some functions, filters, and/or information which would make your search more efficient and/or exploratory? Did we miss your favorite building? Have you found an error in our information? Interested in more information on a site? Respond in the form or email us. |
Minnesota Modern Registry receives an Inventory/Survey Award of ExcellenceThe Docomomo US/MN chapter’s Minnesota Modern Registry receives an Inventory/Survey Award of Excellence for its achievement in documenting Modern architecture across an expansive regional landscape. This project meticulously catalogued over 9,000 properties, distilling vast amounts of data from diverse sources into a user-friendly, evolving resource. Its centerpiece, the Registry Map, provides a rich, interactive platform showcasing structures, districts, architects, and photographic documentation of properties built from the 1920s through the 1980s.
The Registry's comprehensive Works Cited, featuring more than 5,300 entries, underscores the depth and breadth of research involved, highlighting the exceptional dedication of board member Bobak Ha’Eri, who brought this ambitious vision to fruition. This initiative serves as a critical foundation for future scholarship, preservation, and public engagement with Minnesota’s Modern resources. By employing Google Maps, the Registry ensures accessibility, ease of use, and adaptability, while also facilitating future expansions and contributions. With nearly 150,000 views as of June 2024, the Registry is an invaluable asset for researchers, enthusiasts, and the public alike. “An impressive amount of work was done here, and it is evergreen – accessible and expandable for future additions or revisions,” jury chair Gail Kennard highlighted. “Excellent pre-planning; I love that it is serving as a template for others – they have already helped Wisconsin start their version,” added jury member Rocío Aranda-Alvarado. Explore the Minnesota Modern Registry List of 2024 Modernism in America Award winners 2024 Modernism in America Press Release |
