Photo by Live Nation
The highly anticipated Fillmore Minneapolis music hall finally opened its doors on Feb. 12. The first shows were Grammy Award-winning Brandi Carlile, who played three back-to-back-to-back sold-out shows.
Nestled behind Target Field on the edge of the North Loop neighborhood, the Fillmore Minneapolis complex is a triple threat owned by California-based music booking company Live Nation. The 1,850-person concert venue is the star, but it’s joined by Trax Burgers and Bar restaurant next door and the 156-room Element by Westin hotel.
Prior to the opening, there was a little controversy when a Live Nation executive said this venue would be more than “just a black box with people in it”—interpreted by many as a jab at First Avenue’s black aesthetic. (First Avenue promptly took to Instagram to return fire.) But there’s a lot more to post about now that the Fillmore is open.
I have to hand it to them—the Fillmore is stunning. It—along with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, who has a sponsorship with the venue—hosted a VIP party on Friday, Feb. 7, and I and the other hundred-some attendees got a pretty good idea of what a concert experience at the Fillmore will be like.
Instagram-ready
The main floor has two bars. They line both sides of the concert floor, and gorgeous chandeliers hang from the high ceiling.
Upstairs, the second level has a wrap-around balcony and another bar for VIP concert-goers. There’s also the BG Lounge, which was a pleasant surprise and significantly more intimate than the rest of the venue, with cozy booth-like seating that lined the back wall, decorated with odes to musical legends, including Lizzo.
Out of everything the music hall offers, I was most impressed by the artistic touches. If you attend a concert, here are three views you’ll want to pull out your phone for:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pC2hYF8Ko/
The Fillmore Minneapolis welcome
Visible right when you walk up the steps to the entrance, this welcome sign is iconic-in-the-making.
The Prince mural
Walk up to the second level and this is what greets you—a magenta visual homage to our beloved “Purple Rain” singer.
Photo by Katie Ballalatak
Colorful murals behind the bars
Pops of color are everywhere at the Fillmore, but the most stunning pieces are behind the bars. This mural is on the ride side of the concert floor.
For a list of upcoming shows and tickets, visit fillmoreminneapolis.com.
