CSE hosts Tate Hall Open House and Tours on March 8

Building includes new research labs, classrooms, offices, and public space for stargazing

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (02/28/2018) — University of Minnesota alumni, faculty, staff and students, as well as the general public, are invited to get an inside look at the $92.5-million renovation of the historic Tate Hall at an Open House and Public Tours on Thursday, March 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., Tate Hall, 116 Church St. SE, Minneapolis.

The event is free and open to the public. Stop by the information table in the atrium on the Northrop Mall side to pick up your printed tour guide.

At the Open House, visitors can talk with researchers and explore selected research labs that are studying the outer reaches of space, the sediment beneath our waters, and the history of climate change as told by rocks. See teaching labs that serve more than 5,000 students each semester from colleges across campus. Learn about old traditions of the Ely Greenstone in the outdoor rock garden and the unique new art installation that doubles as a puzzle representing the disciplines housed in the building.

Other highlights on the tour include the new large auditorium that serves as a main location for classes and public events, a four-story atrium with skylight in the center of the building, and the historic rooftop observatory that was restored and improved, providing more space for public viewings of the night sky.

Originally completed in 1927 with two additions in the 1960s, Tate Hall is a prominent building on the University of Minnesota Northrop Mall. Countless students have taken classes and conducted research in the building during the last 90+ years. Tate Hall houses approximately 350 faculty, post-doctorates, graduate students, and visiting researchers. The building includes about 20 teaching labs and more than 15 research labs.

The Minnesota Legislature funded two thirds of the total project cost, and the University and private donations provided the remaining funds. The University chose Alliiance as the building renovation architect and J.E. Dunn Construction was the general contractor.