Minnesota Humanities
Event Center
Historic Meeting & Retreat Center
The Minnesota Humanities Event Center is a full service meeting and retreat center centrally located in a historic building in St. Paul. Our flexible event spaces are perfect for your next meeting, retreat, or special occasion. We offer discounted rates for our nonprofit and government customers and a variety of meeting packages to make your meeting planning easier!
Meeting and Event Spaces
The Minnesota Humanities Event Center is a restored, historic building that has a variety of comfortable and welcoming spaces to fit your needs. Whether it is a special event, an off-site meeting, or a weekend retreat, we have you covered with our unique spaces.
Room Dimensions:
36’x55′
Room Capacities:
Oval Tables = 100
Theatre Style = 120
Room Dimensions:
36’x33′
Room Capacities:
Oval Tables=56
Open U=24
Hollow Square=30
Theatre Style=70
Room Dimensions:
14’x24′
Room Capacity:
12-14
Room Dimensions:
12’x20′
Room Capacity:
8-10
We have a total of 15 rooms and 18 beds to accommodate your group. We have 12 single rooms with one queen size bed and 3 double rooms with two full size beds.
Each overnight room has its own private bath and vanity area, working desk, reading chair, and standard toiletries and amenities are also in the rooms.
There are no TVs or refrigerators in the rooms, however there is wireless internet throughout the building, and we do have a very comfortable guest lounge to gather in, which has plenty of seating for conversations, TV watching or connecting with each other. There is also a kitchenette that includes a microwave, refrigerator, and toaster oven for your use during your stay.
Nicole was so helpful with planning our first in-person meeting again. Our group loved having the windows and doors open, access to the patio, sanitizer stations – great job, will definitely keep recommending the venue and hope to be back soon.
Package Rates
All packages at the Minnesota Humanities Event Center include: space in one of our meeting rooms, free wireless internet; free parking; an ADA compliant, smoke-free facility; historic building located in a park setting; no added gratuities. We can also customize the package rates and adjust them according to your needs. Breakout and support spaces are available for an additional charge.
Half-day (morning) includes continental breakfast and luncheon (beverages, starter, main entrée, and dessert). Or: Half-day (afternoon) includes luncheon and afternoon break service (beverages and two items from our snack menu). Morning hours are typically between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; afternoon hours are between noon and 5:00 p.m.
Standard Rate: $54.00 per person per day
Government/Nonprofit Rate: $49 per person per day
20-person minimum for weekend events
Includes continental breakfast and luncheon (beverages, starter, main entrée, and dessert), afternoon break service (beverages and two items from our snack menu) and all-day beverage service. Hours are typically between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Standard Rate: $74.00 per person per day
Government/Nonprofit Rate: $69 per person per day
20-person minimum for weekend events
Includes dinner (beverages, starter, main entrée, and dessert) and evening break service (beverages and two items from our snack menu). Evening hours are typically between 5:00 and 10:00 PM
Standard Rate: $54.00 per person per day
Government/Nonprofit Rate: $49 per person per day
20-person minimum for evening events
Shorter meetings, receptions, and special events also may be arranged at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Prices will be quoted on an event-by-event basis. We can also customize the package rates and adjust them according to your needs.
- Telephones and Polycom Conference Phone
- Logitech Meet-Up Wide-Angle Conference Web Cam with Extension Microphone
- Laptop Web Cameras
- Laptop Microphone
- White Boards with dry-erase markers
- Easels and Easel Paper
- Podiums
- Laptops
- A/V Carts
- HDMI, VGA, and other adaptors available to connect laptop or device to projector/TV
- LCD Projectors (ceiling mounted in Library and Commons)
- TV Monitors to hook up laptop to (wall mounted in Board Room and Ivy Room)
- Screens (mounted in the Library and Commons)
- Handheld or Lapel Microphone (2 of each available for Library and Commons use)
- High-speed Internet access (wireless connections are available with password posted in each room)
- 6’x18” and 8’x18” tables for display, registration, presenters, etc.
- 72” oval tables (can seat 7/table in the Library, 8/table in the Commons)
Everything ran smoothly and staff were available to assist at any time. Great experience!
Menus
At the center of many gatherings you will usually find food – and convening here is no different! Our catering staff have been cooking up healthy meals and helping people stay connected and nourished for over 25 years. Take comfort in knowing that we shop local when we can, choose fresh over frozen to prepare our meals, and cook with healthy ingredients to accommodate the many dietary restrictions we encounter every day with our guests.
Because of our intimate size and how we prepare meals, we can offer only one menu selection per meal; however special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. If there are multiple groups booked, we allow the group that booked first to choose the menu. Rest assured that we will make sure the menu selection works for your group! Please inquire at the time of booking whether your group is the first to book. For customized, special events, we will work with you to develop a menu that can offer more than one menu selection.
Continental Breakfast
Continental Breakfast (comes with the Day Meeting Package and the Half-Day Meeting Package)
The Continental includes: a selection of muffins/pastries; fresh fruit; a variety of juices, regular and decaf coffee, hot tea and water.
Heavy Continental Breakfast
Add yogurt, granola, and hard boiled eggs to the continental breakfast for an additional charge.
Hot Breakfast Selections
Add any of the hot breakfast selections below to the continental breakfast for an additional per person charge.
Mini individual Egg Frittatas (can be made vegetarian)
A mixture of eggs, sausage, bacon, ham and seasonal vegetables topped with cheese and baked.
Egg Bake
Eggs, cheddar cheese, diced ham, and spinach mixed together and baked until set.
Vegetarian Breakfast Bake (can be made gluten free)
Cheese, eggs, cream and seasonal vegetables baked until set.
Chilaquiles Verdes
Toasted corn tortilla chips smothered in a flavorful green tomatillo sauce and topped with Mexican queso fresco cheese.
The Classic
Scrambled eggs and fried strips of bacon.
Papa con Chorizo
Made with tender diced potatoes, chorizo pork sausage and serrano pepper. Serve with warm tortillas and salsa.
Make your own Yogurt Parfaits
Vanilla yogurt served with an assortment of fresh seasonal berries and granola.
Cream Cheese and Cherry Stuffed French Toast
French toast stuffed with cream cheese and cherries. Dusted with powdered sugar and topped with whipped
cream.
White Chocolate and Banana Stuffed French Toast
French toast stuffed with white chocolate and bananas, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with freshly
whipped cream.
Spring & Summer Luncheon Selections
Because of our intimate size, we offer only one menu selection per meal. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice with some limitations. If there are multiple groups booked at the Humanities Center, we allow the group that booked first to choose the day’s menu. Please inquire at the time of booking whether your group is the first to book.
Each offering is accompanied by a choice of either soup or a garden salad, and your choice of dessert. All selections are served buffet style but can be plated and served at an additional cost. If this is desired, please indicate this when making reservations.
Warm Meals
Teriyaki Chicken with Mango Salsa
Grilled chicken breast with a rich teriyaki glaze and topped with fresh mango salsa. Served with fresh cilantro and lime jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables.
Blackberry Grilled Chicken
A chicken breast grilled in a balsamic blackberry marinade served with cannellini bean, corn sauté, and seasonal vegetables.
Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Piccata
Olive oil-marinated grilled chicken breasts, topped with capers, parsley, and lemon-thyme butter. Served with orzo and seasonal vegetable.
Curried Tofu Mango Stir-Fry (Vegetarian and Vegan)
Cubes of fried tofu tossed with a stir-fried combination of mushrooms, green peppers, scallions, red onions, sauced with mango chutney, and spiced just a bit. Served with rice and a house salad.
Sandwiches & Wraps
Caprese Grilled Sandwich
Layered mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar-mayonnaise grilled on sourdough bread to perfection. Served with potato chips.
Grilled Chicken BLT Wrap
A tortilla stuffed with grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato. Served with kettle chips and fresh fruit.
Hummus Grilled Veggie Wrap
Eggplant, portobello mushrooms, red peppers, red onions grilled in a balsamicvinaigrette and wrapped in a tortilla with hummus. Served with kettle chips.
Margarita Chicken Sandwich
Grilled, margarita marinated chicken breast; chilled and then topped with tomato, onion, avocado, lettuce and mayonnaise and served on a baguette. Served with kettle chips.
Garden Wrap (Can be prepared as vegan.)
Flour tortillas stuffed with spinach, sprouts, cucumbers, red onions, havarti dill cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise and whole grain mustard. Served with an apple and red cabbage slaw, pickles and kettle fried potato chips
Prime Rib Sandwich
Grilled sourdough bread houses thinly sliced prime rib of beef bathed in au jus topped with sautéed onions and topped with gruyere cheese. Served with kettle chips.
Salad Entrees
Chicken Caesar Salad
Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, garlicky croutons tossed together and topped with grilled chicken. Served with parmesan garlic toast.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken
Spinach greens with grilled chicken, strawberries, feta cheese and a balsamicvinaigrette dressing.
Cobb Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with crisp bacon, sliced avocado, crumbled Maytag bleu cheese, diced fresh tomatoes, grilled chicken, and finally our homemade red wine vinaigrette. Served with bread.
Southwest Quinoa Bowl (Gluten Free and Vegan)
A hearty and satisfying dish of black beans, roasted corn, red peppers, and scallions topped with a delicious lime and honey vinaigrette served cold. Served with soup. Chicken can be added.
Pasta Dishes
Butternut Squash and Wild Mushroom Lasagna
Layers of lasagna noodles, spinach mixed with salted and peppered ricotta, simmered squash pureed and mixed with goat cheese, and all sorts of mushrooms sautéed in butter. Served with a house salad and garlicky parmesan bread.
Lasagna
Layers of pasta, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and meat sauce which is baked until the top is golden. Served with a house salad and garlicky parmesan bread.
Beef Bourguignon
A classic dish of beef slowly braised in red wine and brown stock until extremely tender and deeply flavored is combined with sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions and then served with the rich wine sauce over egg noodles. Served with a house salad and bread.
“Build Your Own” Luncheon
These meals are reserved for groups of twenty people or more. Each offering includes menu items shown in description and your choice of dessert.
Mac and Cheese Bar
Cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta loaded with a variety of cheeses and served with all the classics on the side: grilled chicken, bacon, turkey sausage, broccoli, green onions and Franks Buffalo Sauce.
Soup and Salad Bar
A make your own salad bar complete with mixed greens, diced chicken, and various toppings served with bread and your choice of two selections from our soup menu.
Burger Bar
The burger bar includes a classic beef hamburger (veggie burgers can be ordered as well) paired with all the favorites: lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Served with kettle chips, baked beans and potato salad.
Pulled BBQ Pork and BBQ Chicken
Build your own sandwich on a brioche bun with pulled BBQ pork and chicken paired with pineapple coleslaw, pickles, and kettle chips.
Taco Bar
Ground beef served with both hard-shell corn tortillas and soft flour tortillas, refried beans, corn tortilla chips, and a condiments bar including lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
The Delicatessen
A selection of fresh breads, ham and turkey lunch meat, tuna salad, cheeses, and vegetables. Served with soup, pasta salad and chips.
Italian Buffet
Two varieties of pasta and two sauces: chicken alfredo cream sauce and marinara with ground beef. Served with green salad in a seasonal vinaigrette dressing and garlic bread.
Spring & Summer Dinner Selections
We can offer only one menu selection per meal because of our intimate size, however special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. If there are multiple groups booked at the Humanities Center, we allow the group that booked first to choose the day’s menu. Please inquire at the time of booking whether your group is the first to book.
Each offering is accompanied by a choice of either soup or a garden salad, and your choice of dessert. All selections are served buffet style but can be plated and served at an additional cost. If this is desired, please indicate this when making reservations.
Entrees
Parmesan Dijon Chicken
Chicken breast bathed in Dijon mustard and coated with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parsley, chives and parmesan cheese. Roasted and dressed with a mayonnaise mustard blend. Served with roasted red potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Teriyaki Chicken with Mango Salsa
Grilled chicken breast with a rich teriyaki glaze and topped with fresh mango salsa. Served with fresh cilantro and lime jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables.
Crispy Chicken
An elegant chicken breast doused with clarified butter, breaded with panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden served with Arborio rice risotto and seasonal vegetables. The dish is finished with a ring of intensely flavored balsamic glaze.
Curried Tofu Mango Stir-Fry (Vegetarian and Vegan)
Cubes of fried tofu tossed with stir-fried vegetables, sauced with mango chutney, and spiced just a bit.
Spicy Buttermilk and Coconut Chicken
Roasted chicken breasts with a toasted coconut and buttermilk crust, topped with sweet Thai chili sauce. Served with coconut, red pepper basmati rice pilaf.
Tofu, Pepper and Zucchini Stuffed Mushroom (Can be prepared as vegan.)
Diced tofu, zucchini, summer squash, and red peppers tossed together with Worcestershire sauce and parmesan cheese, then stuffed into a Portobello mushroom cap and roasted. Served with Arborio rice risotto and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Burger Bar
The burger bar includes a classic beef hamburger (veggie burgers can be ordered as well) paired with all the favorites: lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Served with kettle chips, baked beans and potato salad.
Lasagna
Layers of pasta, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and meat sauce which is baked until the top is golden.
Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna
Lasagna Noodles layered with velvety pureed butternut squash mixed with goat cheese and sauteed spinach and mushrooms. Topped with Parmesan cheese and served with garlic parmesan bread.
Beef Bourguignon
A classic dish of beef slowly braised in red wine and beef stock until extremely tender and deeply flavored is combined with sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions and then served with the rich wine sauce over egg noodles.
Soups
Chunky Vegetable (Vegetarian and Vegan)
Seasonal vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions, squash) in a flavorful vegetable stock with a touch of garlic and herbs.
Chicken Noodle
Flavorful chicken broth with onion, carrot, celery, pasta and chunks of chicken breast.
Tomato Bisque (Vegetarian)
Creamy and chunky tomato soup flavored with basil.
Chicken Wild Rice (Can be made with cream or dairy free with broth only)
Flavorful chicken broth with onion, carrot, celery, chunks of chicken breast and Minnesota wild rice.
Desserts
Gourmet Cookies
This selection includes a variety of freshly baked cookies that could include any of the following; sugar, oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, peanut butter, or triple chocolate chip.
Mixed Fruit Bowl
Chef’s choice seasonal fruit.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cake
Triple layered cake with white chocolate and raspberry cream filling.
Lemon Supreme Shortcake
A triple layer shortcake of lemon cream and whipped cream
Tuxedo Truffle Mousse Cake
Marbled cake layered with dark and white chocolate mousses. Finished with dark chocolate ganache and chocolate swirls.
Snack Options
Please choose two options for your break service.
Trail Mix with dried fruit and nuts
Apple Wedges with Peanut Butter and Caramel Dipping Sauce
Hummus and Pretzel Crisps or Pita Chips
Freshly Baked Cookies
Fresh Cut Veggies with Dip
Variety of mini sized chocolate bars and candy
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Assorted Granola Bars
Cheese and Crackers
Variety of Bagged Kettle Chips
Chex Mix
Cold Hors d’oeuvres
Hors d’oeuvres are priced per platter and each platter has 25 servings.
Charcuterie Board, $125
Served on a wooden board, this spread features a selection of preserved foods, cured meats, artisan cheeses, breads, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other accompaniments.
Grilled Vegetable Platter, $65
Assorted seasonal vegetables grilled with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Selection will include at least 4 of the following: carrots, bell pepper, squash, zucchini, potatoes, and asparagus.
Meat Assortment with Dollar Buns, $85
Seves 25, Add cheese slices, tomato, onions, and lettuce for an additional $40
An assortment cold sliced roast beef, ham, turkey served with buns and condiments.
Chips and Salsa, $35
Our chef’s homemade salsa served with tortilla chips.
Shrimp with Fresh Cocktail Sauce, $88
Peeled, de-veined shrimp poached in shrimp stock, served with a homemade classic cocktail sauce.
Deviled Eggs, $35
Hard-boiled eggs halved and filled with a mixture of egg yolk, mustard, and mayonnaise, topped with a variety of garnishes.
Simple Cheese Tray, $49
A selection of standard cheeses served with a variety of crackers.
Hot Hors d’oeuvres
Beef Tenderloin Teriyaki, $57
Pieces of beef tenderloin marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, ginger, scallions and sesame oil grilled and garnished with slivers of scallions.
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Heart Dip, $54
The dip is made with spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, onion, béchamel sauce, Worcestershire, Parmesan cheese. Served with chunks of warm baguette.
Spanakopita, $67
A mixture of spinach, Feta cheese, scallions, and cream cheese inside a triangle of phyllo dough, baked until crisp.
Pork Satay and Pineapple, $54
Satays of marinated pork shoulder skewered alternately with chunks of fresh pineapple, grilled, and garnished with toasted white sesame seeds.
Chicken Tandoori, $54
Roasted pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices with onion and peppers.
Asparagus Straws, $74
Blanched asparagus stalks are wrapped with thinly sliced Prosciutto de Parma, Parmesan cheese and phyllo dough, then baked until the dough is crispy.
American Meatballs with Smoky Chipotle or BBQ Sauce, $44
Seared meatballs in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce or with BBQ sauce.
Hot Crab Dip, $67
A hot dip made of cream cheese, mayonnaise, onion, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh crabmeat. Served with slices of baguette bread for dipping.
Chicken Teriyaki, $54 Marinated chicken strips baked and glazed with Teriyaki Sauce, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Dessert Hors d’oeuvres
Black and White Chocolate Covered Strawberries, $48
Fresh strawberries dipped in dark or white chocolate.
Mini-Creampuffs with Two Sauces, $43
Small cream filled creampuffs, with chocolate and strawberry sauces.
Gourmet Cookies, $38
This selection includes a variety of freshly baked cookies that could include any of the following; sugar, oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, peanut butter, or triple chocolate chip.
Tuxedo Truffle Mousse Cake, $50
Marbled cake layered with dark and white chocolate mousses. Finished with dark chocolate ganache and chocolate swirls.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cake, $50
Triple layered cake with white chocolate and raspberry cream filling.
Lemon Supreme Shortcake, $50
A triple layer shortcake of lemon cream and whipped cream.
Beverages
Bottled Water $2 each
Infused Water $15/dispenser (40 glasses) (No charge for plain water dispenser)
Coffee & Hot Tea $18/small urn (14 cups)
Coffee $50/large urn (45 cups)
Punch $35/dispenser (40 glasses)
Lemonade $35/ dispenser (40 glasses)
Iced Tea $35/ dispenser (40 glasses)
Sparkling Cider $9/bottle (8 glasses)
Soda & Sparkling Water $2/can
Use the button below to download the Minnesota Humanities Event Center Fall/Winter 2025 Menus.
Bottom line, this place was EXCELLENT! Everyone in our group loved it! Great rooms, great location (green space), great food, friendly staff! It exceeded my hopes which is why I am already planning my next event.
About Our Facility
Situated near the southern edge of Phalen Regional Park, bike and walking paths, beaches, a golf course, and other park amenities are within walking distance and easily accessible. Minutes from downtown St. Paul, there are plenty of options for offsite dining and entertainment.
Minnesota Humanities Event Center
987 Ivy Avenue East
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Free guest parking is available off of Ivy Avenue, between Earl Street and Forest Street, on the east side of the building.
The Minnesota Humanities Center’s current location near Lake Phalen in St. Paul was built in 1924 as part of the original Gillette Children’s Hospital campus. It was built to provide a place where children could continue their education within the hospital setting.
Intrinsic to the missions of both Gillette Children’s Hospital and the Minnesota Humanities Center is the assumption that all people, regardless of their race, creed, class, or physical ability, should have the opportunity to learn. It is fitting, therefore, that the hospital’s former schoolhouse has been restored to serve as a center for humanities education.
Gillette Children’s Hospital was founded in 1897 to treat the orthopedic diseases of disadvantaged children. It moved to its Lake Phalen site in 1911; Dowling Memorial Hall — now the Humanities Center — was built as a memorial to Michael J. Dowling, who became a prominent educator and state legislator despite having lost his feet and hands to frostbite, triumphing in spite of his disability. Gillette Superintendent Elizabeth McGovern wrote in a 1921 letter:
“Mr. Dowling stood for opportunity for the physically handicapped and… the most fitting memorial that could be erected to his memory would be a school where children of normal mentality, physically handicapped, might have the opportunity to get an education that would fit them to go out into their communities and take their places as self-supporting citizens.”
Architectural researcher Paul Larson notes that though architect Clarence H. Johnston favored separate cottages for most of the institutions he designed, the Gillette West Wing was built under a single roof to accommodate patients. The structure was originally a single floor with K-12 classrooms, millinery and watch-making workshops, an auditorium and a library built in the “telephone pole” plan which made the entire building accessible from one wide hallway. There were no tricky corners or stairs to hinder wheelchairs and gurneys. The “Spanish style” stucco and tile exterior was inexpensive, was impervious to harsh Minnesota weather and allowed for large windows in every room. This was very important to Gillette’s method of sun-treatment for the patients (and very pleasant for the guests and staff today).
It is believed that Dowling Hall was left standing after the rest of the hospital was demolished because it was one of the more recent and decorative buildings. The graceful portico and elegant marble floors speak for themselves. The delightful carved tiles were most likely imported from Henry Chapman Mercer’s Moravian Pottery and Tiles Works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
The whimsical plaster sculptures, on the other hand, remain something of a mystery. Based on the appearance and context, we believe they were carved by the St. Paul-based Brioschi-Minuti Company, which was responsible for Columbus statues in St. Paul and Chicago, the interiors of the Basilica of St. Mary and the State Theater, and other important artistic decoration in the Midwest during the 1910s-1940s. Johnston’s transfer ledgers show that he worked several times with Carlo and Amerigo Brioschi from 1920 to 1935, even designing the Brioschi mausoleum.
The figures in the atrium of the building are small, contorted American Indians, Redcoats, and Pilgrims, all taking aim at some fierce enemy. These may have been based on figures that appeared in a popular children’s reader of the 1920s. Nestled among the grapevine moldings in the Commons, the “Humanities Trolls” are amazingly appropriate for the Humanities Center. The same sort of disfigured men — knees drawn up, hands gnarled — are depicted reading a book, peering at a globe, singing songs, and playing an instrument.
Two years after the Gillette Children’s Hospital moved to downtown St. Paul in 1977, the entire 13-acre campus was razed except the west wing. Although various organizations and developers expressed interest in the property, it remained vacant for 18 years until the Humanities Center renovated the building at a cost of $2.57 million. In 1996 the Humanities Center opened and now houses a full-service meeting and event center, 15 administrative offices, and 15 overnight guest rooms.
Our building is also home to the offices of the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), a statewide nonprofit that envisions a just society that is curious, connected, and compassionate. Our building hosts many educational and community events that complement our programmatic work as it reinforces the MHC as a place where people gather, strengthen connections, and participate in meaningful dialogues.
Event Center Image Gallery
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