- The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country.
- The first Children’s department in a Library was in the Minneapolis Public Library, which separated children’s books from the rest of the collection in 1889.
- The Guthrie Theater is the largest regional playhouse in the country.
- Minneapolis is home to the oldest continuously running theater (Old Log Theater – Excelsior, MN)
- The largest dinner theater in the country is the Chanhassan Dinner Theater in Chanhassen, MN
- The Twin Cities is only one of two places in America that support two full-time, professional orchestras: The Minnesota Orchestra and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. (The other city is New York City)
- According to a local rumor that has never been dispelled, the Rolling Stones hit “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – written by Mick Jagger – was inspired by a trip he made to an Excelsior, MN drugstore when they were in town in 1964.
- The Moody Blues first U.S. concert appearance was scheduled for Minneapolis on October 20, 1968 at the Met Sports Center. They were to be one of several acts performing that night, which included Tiny Tim (“Tip Toe Thru the Tulips”) and the Young Rascals. Unfortunately, their equipment was held-up in U.S. Customs (in Boston) which prevented them from making their U.S. debut in Minneapolis. (source: Justin Hayward interview)
- The theatrical version of “The Lion King” was first previewed in Minneapolis on July 8, 1997 at the Orpheum Theatre. This was a chance for performers, directors and creative team to tweak the details before it debuted on Broadway on October 15, 1997.
- The first U.S. performance of “Smile”, the unfinished concept album from 1966 (by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys) took place in Minneapolis on September 30, 2004 at the Orpheum Theatre. It was performed by Brian Wilson’s own band.
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