The Ugliest Building in Minnesota is 90 Minutes From Rochester
Many buildings here in Rochester and across Minnesota are stunning architectural masterpieces, but there's one structure that's just been named the Ugliest Building in Minnesota-- and it's only 90 minutes away.
Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but don't go to sleep on some of the way-cool modern and classically designed buildings that also call the North Star State home. Now, I'm no architect, mind you, but I'm pretty sure you don't even have to leave Rah-Rah-Rochester to find some pretty impressive buildings.
In fact, just last year, I wrote about how Mayo Clinic's own Plummer Building SHOULD have been in the running for the Most Iconic Building in Minnesota. I mean, it's been proudly standing here in the Med City since 1928. And it was once even the tallest building in the entire Land of 10,000 Lakes. (Click HERE to see what Architectural Digest says IS Minnesota's Most Iconic Building.)
But when it comes to the Ugliest Building in Minnesota? I wasn't sure, but the crew over at ThisVsThat sure are-- in fact, they just ranked the Ugliest Buildings in all 50 States. And here in Minnesota, that honor goes to The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis.
It's located just under 90 minutes from Rochester, on the campus of the University of Minnesota, where it's known simply as the Weisman Art Museum. The museum itself has been around for many years but moved into its current location along the Mississippi River back in 2011. Here's how the Ugliest Building survey summed up the unique-looking structure:
What is it with art museums being some of the ugliest buildings in existence? Considering what they house, you’d think they would go for, oh, I don’t know, a beautiful look. This aluminum foil monstrosity looks like something a five-year-old would design.
The U of M says the building itself was designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, and excels in its 'role as a cultural resource for the University, students, Minnesota, and the state’s many visitors.' I'm just guessing that most Minnesotans wouldn't necessarily call the Weisman 'ugly' necessarily. It's different, sure, and is one that definitely stands out. But is it ugly? Maybe the survey proves the old adage about 'beauty being in the eye of the beholder.'
And while the Weisman's design might not be what you'd have in mind if you were updating your home, there is ONE home that hasn't been updated... at all. Keep scrolling to check out this house here in Rochester that hasn't changed at all since the 70s!
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