NORTHROP AUDITORIUM

The Northrop Memorial Auditorium located on the campus of the University of Minnesota is one of the finest on-campus auditoriums in the nation. It is now the state's largest theater and the largest college campus auditorium in the country. The building was constructed in 1928 on top of a former College of Pharmacy medicinal herb garden. The grand looking gathering place has beautiful white majestic pillars that are now one of the University of Minnesota's major icons and focal points.

The auditorium was named in honor of Cyrus Northrop, the second president of the University (1884-1911). The Northrop was designed by Clarence H. Johnston, a famous local architect. Donations by University students, faculty/staff, alumni and friends funded the $1.35 million construction. The auditorium was built to be used as the University's central ceremonial site with commencements, lectures, convocations, and performances. The Northrop was built with 4,800 seats, this capacity allowing the entire student body of that day to be assembled under one roof.

Referred to as "the Carnegie Hall of the Midwest," the facility was dedicated on October 22, 1929 with three concerts marking the historic occasion: the Minneapolis Symphony conducted by Henri Verbrugghen, the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Serge Koussevetzky, and a performance by representatives of the Alumni and the State of Minnesota.  

The early years revolved around the University Artists Course, which featured a wealth of classical music by such noted artists as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Igor Stravinsky, Vladimir Horowitz, and Marian Anderson. From 1930-73, Northrop Auditorium was home to the Minneapolis Symphony (subsequently renamed the Minnesota Orchestra), until it moved to Orchestra Hall.  

The Northrop is also proud to offer the finest in professional Dance and Jazz events. On January 12, 1932, modern dance pioneer Mary Wigman gave the first dance performance at Northrop Auditorium. The Northrop Dance Season began in 1970 with a commitment to become one of the country's premier presenters of national and international ballet, contemporary, and cultural dance companies.

The Northrop Jazz Season was launched in 1993, offering concert hall performances as a complement to the lively Twin Cities club jazz scene. In its first decade, the series has featured such acclaimed artists as Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and James Carter, Herbie Hancock, Buena Vista Social Club and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band.

Outside promoters bring an illustrious array of performers to the Northrop stage, headliners who have included Bette Midler, James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Robin Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Clint Black, Bruce Springsteen, Barenaked Ladies and Nora Jones.

The Northrop Auditorium is a classy intimate venue to see a good show.  It’s limited number of seats, make tickets to music headliners a much sought after commodity.

Northrop Auditorium shows are always a treat for University of Minnesota students, why not make them a treat for yourself? Come hang out with some of the hipsters, freaks, punks and emo kids at the U of M for a concert. Big name acts have come to the Northrop just recently with plenty scheduled for the future. Franz Ferdinand and Death Cab for Cutie thrilled the indie kids on a joint headline show, Fiona Apple stalked the stage for the art-girls and James Blunt crooned his honey for the freshman girls. It really is a sexy little auditorium, comparable to the Oprheum downtown, with a balcony with great sightlines and main floor seating that can get you close to the action. Get tickets for a Northrop Auditorium show and you won?t be sorry.