A Heavenly Oasis

The Thrivent Financial Collection of Religious Art is anything but out of place on the Minneapolis skyway

The Thrivent Financial Collection of Religious Art includes The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Hendrik Goltzius, above, and The Holy Family, by Rembrandt van Rijn, below.

Image credit: Photos by Robert Fogt

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Skyway: Orbit City, MN

Skyway: Gerbil Land

By: Emily Cain

The Minneapolis skyway is more than just a reprieve from the bitter winter chill. It is also home to a little known but impressive collection of religious art.

Begun in 1982 by Lutheran pastor Rev. Richard L. Hillstrom, the Thrivent Financial Collection of Religious Art features eight centuries of fine original art reflecting Western Christian religious tradition.

Curator Joanna Lindell, who began working with the collection in 2002, admits the location may seem unorthodox, but says people are nonetheless impressed when they stumble upon the more than 800 pieces on display.

The work consists primarily of works on paper and include pieces from artists such as Edouard Manet, George Bellows and Pablo Picasso.

“People are sometimes surprised such marvelous works of art are tucked away in a seventeen-story corporate building in downtown Minneapolis,” Lindell says.

Lindell says the curating process can sometimes take years, and that the piece’s history, cultural and historical influences and artist are all considered when selecting work to feature.  

The end result is a collection that offers visitors and downtown workers a respite from the often hectic environment that surrounds it, she says.

The collection – located  at the Thrivent Financial Minneapolis Corporate Center – is open to the public Monday through Friday, and tours, lectures and gallery talks also take place every week.

“Our visitors are inquisitive and thoughtful, and enjoy being in a small gallery in which they can take their time,” Lindell says. “We have tried to create a comfortable, inviting space to facilitate learning about art history, theology, or a quiet devotional experience depending on the visitor's desire.”

The gallery’s latest exhibit, The Nativity, on display through Feb. 6, is certainly well timed. It demonstrates a wide range of artistic media that different cultures have employed to articulate and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle this holiday shopping season, this may be it.

+ The Thrivent Financial Collection of Religious Art is located of the Minneapolis skyway at 625 4th Ave S. It is open Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.