‘Artists, Welcome Home’ — A Look Inside Minnesota Opera’s Luminary Arts Center

When art meets science, there is a beautiful expression of expectation, growth and gratitude. This expectation builds on the initiative that creators innately have within them. To create a space and home for artists that is flexible and honors the innovative principles of exponential design, Shelter Architecture carefully and intentionally captured the vision of a multi-purposed theater space with the director and artist in mind.

What makes the Luminary Arts Center unique is that the architects and interior designers led with functionality, accessibility and inclusivity. Theater spaces are supposed to give an ideal experience whenever they are used, and Shelter Architecture produced a tension wire grid that “offers unparalleled flexibility and safety for performers and technicians by eliminating the need for Genie lifts, ladders and safety harnesses typically used in production setup.” Safety is priority, especially in low visibility areas; this addition compliments the intimate setting.

As for accessibility, Shelter made sure to utilize extra space for seating to mitigate performance interruption. In addition to repurposing space, they also updated the restrooms to be gender-neutral with an adult changing table for inclusivity. These design considerations in the Luminary Arts Center were so transformational that they received the well-deserved National FOCUS design award from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Lavender Magazine asked Shelter Architecture about the source of their inspiration for such ambitious design decisions, and they responded, “Inclusivity and accessibility. There is literal transparency of what’s going on inside through the new lobby.” An intention to bring community to the theater with an open storefront that welcomes any from outside the space to view inside from the large industrial windows. Ambition is necessary to consider many. It reminds designers that there is a chance to make history through the memories of all who have experienced art through the productions hosted in the Luminary Arts Center and the welcoming space that allowed them to do so.

Shelter Architecture understood that this was more than a project, it was the start of a legacy that promoted and supported the whole spectrum of artists. This included toning down some prior features that were in place to bring more emphasis on the performance and a stone wall backdrop that is a favorite amongst performance groups. These diligent attributes convey a consistent intention from Shelter that has an arsenal of talent and experience in the firm. They expressed, “We routinely share our work with one another which enhances our designs and translates into spaces that are more beautiful, more efficient and more inspiring. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring individuals, you’re hiring a team.”

The demand of the Luminary Arts Center project was so robust, but it was successful due to the incredible support and partnership from Minnesota Opera, the owners of the Luminary Arts Center. While there were unpredictable moments during the renovation and construction such as the COVID-19 pandemic, structural integrity issues with over-20-foot-tall foundational walls, necessary upgrades on utility connections and multi-level plumbing concerns, Shelter “learned new ways to work and share our information with our project partners that kept everyone safe and healthy while not losing any part of our regular design process.” Even though there were budget adjustments that grew in complexity, the intention for the space to be welcoming and radically inclusive maintained the motivation to finish strong.

Artists, your voices have been heard and Luminary Arts Center welcomes you home. The historical features from the Guthrie Lab have been preserved as there were unique traits such as the stone wall. Shelter Architecture ensured to grow this space for many generations to come by tackling the difficult head-on. This new space is designed with everyone, including the audience, technicians and outdoor passersby, in mind. The Luminary Arts Center holds true to amplifying the underheard and shining light on the beautiful bonds that stretch from multiple walks of life.

If you have a project and are looking for a family-oriented team that is sure to deliver a human-centered space through innovation and intention Shelter Architecture + Interior Design is your go-to. Their information has been added below!

Shelter Architecture
275 Market Street # 292
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-870-4081
www.shelterarchitecture.com