Minneapolis City Hall

Photos of Minneapolis City Hall and its clock tower during routine hours, protests, security measures, and repairs

Minneapolis City Hall — Minneapolis, MN

This set documents Minneapolis City Hall in Minneapolis, MN, with emphasis on its Beaux-Arts architecture and four-faced clock tower. Images include daylight views of the building alongside modern downtown structures and night photographs of the illuminated tower. Several photographs record the building’s role as the seat of municipal government, showing city offices, courtrooms and activity on the plaza. Other images document security fencing, plywood boarding and graffiti placed on the building during high-profile protests and trials.
Protesters gather inside Minneapolis City Hall to deliver ethics complaints following the police shooting death of Amir Locke.
February 11, 2022 — Protesters gathered inside Minneapolis City Hall to deliver ethics complaints against Mayor Jacob Frey, following the police shooting death of Amir Locke on February 2, 2022. Completed in 1909, Minneapolis City Hall serves as the seat of government for the city, housing its administrative offices and City Council chambers. The building's Beaux-Arts architecture is characterized by its grand marble interior and ornate stained-glass windows. This event highlights ongoing public scrutiny and demands for accountability within the city's governmental structure.
Minneapolis City Hall Boarded Up during Chauvin Trial
April 2, 2021 — Minneapolis City Hall, a historic Beaux-Arts building completed in 1909, was boarded up during the 2021 murder trial of Derek Chauvin. The plywood sheathing served as a protective measure against potential damage amid protests and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Graffiti on the boards, including "Say His Name: George Floyd" and a prayer for justice, reflects the public sentiment and the broader context of the Minneapolis Uprising.
Heavy wind blows down City Hall boards
April 2, 2021 — Minneapolis City Hall, a Beaux-Arts style building completed in 1909, is seen here boarded up following damage from heavy winds. The building serves as the seat of government for the city of Minneapolis and houses its municipal courts. The extensive plywood sheathing suggests significant structural damage or ongoing repairs. The presence of "FDC" spray-painted on the boarding may indicate a connection to the protests and civil unrest that occurred in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, during which the building was also damaged and boarded up.
Snow and fencing around City Hall prior to Chauvin trial
February 17, 2021 — Minneapolis City Hall in downtown Minneapolis. Security fencing going up around buildings in the area in preperation for the Derek Chauvin trial.
Fencing around city hall prior to Derek Chauvin trial
February 16, 2021 — Fencing and barricades begin going up around Minneapolis City Hall. The layers of fencing and barriers are going up with 20 days remaining before jury selection begins in the George Floyd Trial.
Oromo protesters outside Minneapolis City Hall
July 10, 2020 — An Oromo protest gathered at the Hennepin County Government Center in Downtown Minneapolis. The protest, which marched from Northeast Minneapolis, brought members of the Oromo community to the seat of Hennepin County and Minneapolis city government. The Hennepin County Government Center, also known as Minneapolis City Hall, is a prominent Romanesque Revival structure completed in 1906, serving as a central point for civic engagement and public assembly. Protesters utilized the public plaza surrounding the building to advocate for their cause, reflecting the building's ongoing role as a site for public expression and civic discourse.
Closeup photo of Minneapolis clock tower at night
May 8, 2020 — The clock tower of Minneapolis City Hall glows at night, its illuminated faces visible across downtown. The landmark’s Romanesque architecture remains a defining feature of the city’s skyline.
Minneapolis City Hall on a February Evening
February 14, 2020 — Minneapolis City Hall and a skyway on a February evening.
The Minneapolis City Hall Clock Tower, a Richardsonian Romanesque building completed in 1909, is illuminated at night in downtown Minneapolis.
June 5, 2019 — The Minneapolis City Hall Clock Tower, a prominent landmark in downtown Minneapolis, is illuminated at night. Completed in 1909, the building served as the seat of government for both the city and Hennepin County. Its distinctive clock tower, designed in a Richardsonian Romanesque style, houses a large clock face and a carillon. The tower and the surrounding downtown architecture represent the city's growth and development as a major Midwestern center.
City Hall Clock Tower, Downtown Minneapolis
November 24, 2018 — Some say the Minneapolis City Hall Clock Tower is the largest in the world... There is some conflicting information. But what is known is it is in fact the largest four facing chiming clock in the world.
Minneapolis City Hall, a historic Beaux-Arts building with a clock tower, is seen at sunset alongside modern downtown structures.
June 21, 2015 — Minneapolis City Hall, a historic Beaux-Arts building completed in 1909, stands as the seat of government for the city. Its prominent clock tower is a recognizable feature of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. The building houses municipal offices and courtrooms, serving the city's administrative and judicial functions. Adjacent modern structures reflect the ongoing development of the urban core.

Built in Minneapolis

Photographs made over time, focused on place, public life, and ongoing reporting.

Browse by location, move through long-running series, or start with recent work.

© 1996–2026 Chad Davis