Discover City of Lakes Waldorf School during Doors Open Minneapolis 2026! Enjoy hands-on family and kids’ activities, both indoors and outdoors, while touring our historic 1922 building designed by Magney & Tusler, the architects behind the iconic Foshay Tower.
Doors Open Minneapolis
Saturday, May 9th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
City of Lakes Waldorf School
FREE
About Doors Open Minneapolis
CLWS is honored to be a part of Doors Open Minneapolis, produced by Rethos.Doors Open Minneapolis invites visitors to explore the city’s most fascinating buildings. From theaters and historic landmarks to sports arenas, sacred spaces, and new architectural gems, enjoy a FREE behind-the-scenes look at venues that shape our city’s story.
What to Expect
In addition to both indoor and outdoor kids and family activities, attendees will enjoy walking through our beautiful lobby (featuring original tilework and masonry including a working stone carved fountain) and first floor classrooms, and exploring our outdoor play areas and natural spaces, including the beloved crabapple trees along our school’s western perimeter that Jane Goodall helped our students plant!
Stay tuned for a detailed schedule of activities as we get closer to the event!
Parking and Accessibility
Ample parking is available in our school parking lot on the north side of the building, right off Nicollet Ave. Buses 17 and 18 stop directly outside our front entrance. We also have bike racks available in the front and back of our school building.
Handicap parking is available, and the north entrance of the building (right next to the parking lot) is fully accessible.
Building History
City of Lakes Waldorf School is housed in a historic 50,000-square-foot building originally built as an office for the Hardware Mutual Insurance Company until 1964. Over the decades, the building served a variety of organizations, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lavender Magazine, the American Refugee Committee, Access to Employment, Inc., the Tibetan American Foundation, and more, before being purchased by City of Lakes Waldorf School in 1999.
While extensive renovations over the past 25 years have transformed the space into a modern, functional school, the original design and craftsmanship by the building’s architects remain visible and celebrated. From the ornate historic lobby to bright, light-filled classrooms, the building continues to be cherished by generations of students, parents, and staff, providing a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for the school’s dynamic Waldorf education programs.
