Located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is a premier cultural hub that offers you an exceptional blend of world-class entertainment. Envisioned by 3M heiress Sally Ordway Irvine as a European-style venue to showcase everything from opera to circus arts, this impressive facility opened its doors in 1985. Designed by renowned architect Benjamin Thompson, the building stands proudly opposite historic Rice Park.
When you visit, you can experience nearly 500 annual performances spanning touring Broadway musicals, locally produced shows, world music and dance, opera, recitals, and children's theater. The Ordway proudly serves as the home to esteemed resident arts organizations, including the Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and The Schubert Club. Beyond its diverse performing arts lineup, the venue's striking architecture invites exploration.
You can step into the spacious two-story Marzitelli Foyer on the second floor, where a sweeping glass curtain-wall offers panoramic views of Rice Park, surrounding historic landmarks, and the Mississippi River in the distance. Whether you choose a performance inside the 1,910-seat Music Theater or the 1,100-seat Concert Hall, you will enjoy a memorable cultural outing in downtown Saint Paul.
What to see at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
- Performances at the 1,910-seat Music Theater or the 1,100-seat Concert Hall
- Panoramas of Rice Park and the Mississippi River from the Marzitelli Foyer
- Shows by resident groups like Minnesota Opera and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
- A rich schedule featuring Broadway tours, world dance, recitals, and local theater
Visiting tips
Head to the second-floor Marzitelli Foyer before a show to admire the glass facade and panoramic views of Rice Park.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is easy to reach on Saint Paul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Minnesota State Capitol and Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Saint Paul travel guide.
See the full Saint Paul travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.