A National Historic Landmark
“If a building is honest, the architecture is religious.”
-Eliel Saarinen, Designer of Christ Church Lutheran
Interested in touring our building? Head over to the Tours page.
Friends of Christ Church Lutheran
The Friends of Christ Church Lutheran was established in 2008 to preserve this historic Saarinen landmark through fundraising, education and public awareness.
The non-sectarian 501c3 non-profit organization enables individuals, groups, and foundations to support the continued preservation of this nationally significant landmark through donating and volunteering. The Friends group also trains docents; conducts tours of the church building; and offers programs to provide greater public access and appreciation.
About the Architecture
Saarinen’s “honest” use of light, brick, stone, concrete and wood create a space of stunning simplicity, tranquility, and spirituality. Since its construction in 1949, it has been the focus of fascination by architects, photographers, students, and those seeking a place of worship, community, beauty and solace.
When the congregation sought to complement the sanctuary with an education building, they looked to Eliel’s son, Eero Saarinen. Eero was acclaimed for his exuberantly futuristic designs such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; Washington Dulles International Airport; and the TWA Flight Center at New York's JFK airport, now part of Terminal 5.
In contrast, the education building is a subdued, yet lovely and joyful, homage to his father’s masterpiece. It was completed in 1962 and houses a beautiful lounge, spacious education rooms, a sky-lit atrium and a gymnasium with a theater stage. The original furnishings include many iconic mid-century modern designs by Hans J. Wegner, Ray and Charles Eames and others.
The joined pair of buildings stands today as the only example of the father’s and son’s individual works combined. The people of Christ Church Lutheran invite you to enjoy this remarkable, serene and historic space. Experience our welcoming community at one of our worship services, concerts and exhibits, or architectural tours.
The Historic Designation
Christ Church Lutheran is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in January 2009. In 1977, the building received the American Institute of Architects’ 25-Year Award, crediting the influence of the building on church design in the second half of the 20th century. In the award, the AIA described the church as “ a living symbol of architectural integrity . . . a building with great dramatic effect and architectural impact, and yet which retains a very human scale and possesses a feeling of serenity and repose.”
“Christ Church Lutheran, Minneapolis, MN, holds national significance as one of the most celebrated works by Eliel Saarinen, who was among the nation’s most acclaimed architects and architectural educators of the 20th century. Saarinen was on the leading edge of the modernist movement and played a pivotal role in the emergence of modernist religious architecture in the United States.” — From the news release in which Secretary Dirk Kempthorne designates nine National Historic Landmarks in nine states, January 16, 2009, U.S. Department of the Interior.
COMING SOON: