Doors Open Minneapolis

Explore Lakewood’s stunning spaces as part of Doors Open Minneapolis 2025. Walk through several buildings across our grounds, including the net-zero energy ready Welcome Center, surrounded by serene walking paths and a peaceful reflection pool. Tour the historic Byzantine Memorial Chapel, featuring 10 million mosaic pieces and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or visit one of our beautiful mausoleums including the Garden Mausoleum, an award-winning masterpiece of contemporary architecture, and the remarkable Community Memorial Mausoleum featuring gorgeous stained glass throughout. There’s something for every architecture fan here at Lakewood!

Informational brochures and a mobile-friendly handbill will be available. Best of all, Lakewood volunteers will be present to tell you more about Lakewood spaces, events, and offerings.

About Doors Open Minneapolis

Lakewood is honored to sponsor Doors Open Minneapolis, produced by Rethos. This popular event invites visitors to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give you a FREE behind-the-scenes look at many exciting venues.

About the Lakewood Welcome Center

The Welcome Center is Lakewood’s newest space for visitors, families, and all who explore ways to find meaning in the remembrance of loved ones. A model of environmental responsibility and sustainability, it is one of Minneapolis’ first net-zero energy ready building, designed to produce as much energy as it uses. In addition to private family meeting rooms, the Welcome Center also holds space for community events related to death, grief, and reimagining the role of a cemetery in modern life.

Learn more about the Welcome Center.

About the Chapel

The Memorial Chapel is the centerpiece of the cemetery and a priceless architectural treasure—one of the most perfect examples of Byzantine mosaic art in the United States. When it was completed in 1910, it was the only building in America with an authentic mosaic interior. Through the years, visitors have been astonished to find such an outstanding architectural jewel in the heart of the Midwest. Many experts now believe that a work of such magnitude could not be recreated at any price today, as artisans possessing the necessary skills have passed into history.

Designed by prominent Minneapolis architect Harry Wild Jones and modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn more about the Memorial Chapel.

About the Garden Mausoleum

Completed in 2012, Lakewood’s Garden Mausoleum is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and an exquisite work of art. It was designed by HGA Architects to instill a sense of peace and calm and create an environment conducive to contemplation and healing through three distinct elements:

• abundant natural light, evoking a sense of spirituality, warmth and comfort.
• beauty and craftsmanship—evident from the moment you enter.
• a close connection to one of Lakewood’s greatest asset—the landscape.

Learn more about the Garden Mausoleum.

About the Community Memorial Mausoleum

Completed in 1967, the Memorial Mausoleum and Columbarium is a Modernist style structure designed by Detroit architects Harley, Ellington, Cowan & Stirton using a blend of enduring Minnesota granite, bronze and steel.

Learn more about the Community Memorial Mausoleum.

Parking

Parking is available along any of the roads inside Lakewood’s gates unless otherwise noted with no parking signs. Limited handicap parking will be available near each building. Lakewood does not have an onsite parking lot – it is street parking only. This means you may have to park a short distance from your destination and walk. We strongly encourage carpooling and taking public transportation.

By bus

Metro Transit lines 6 and 23 stop directly outside of Lakewood’s gates, a short walk to our buildings.

By bicycle

Please lock bikes at the rack near the main entrance gates. Do not lock bikes to trees or signs, or leave bicycles unlocked on the grounds.

Accessibility Notice

The Welcome Center and Mausoleums are fully accessible.

Chapel Accessibility Note: Due to the historic nature of the chapel, there are limited accessibility accommodations that can be made. Accessibility information for this building is noted below:

• Handicap accessible parking will be available near the entrance of the chapel
• A ramp is available leading into the chapel
• Two single stall restrooms are available on the main level but cannot accommodate a wheelchair.