Welcome Center Open House and Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Join us as we open the doors of our new Welcome Center. This state-of-the-art building will help us serve families and our community in new ways, while continuing to support our vision to reimagine the role of a cemetery in modern life. To celebrate the completion of this community-centered space, we are inviting our families, friends, neighbors, and community to join us for this special event.

This is a public event and all are welcome. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

Open House Celebration

3-7 PM | Welcome Center

The Welcome Center is a point of entry for the thousands of people who visit Lakewood every year. Come see the beautiful spaces designed to support families and welcome our community. Enjoy light refreshments and interactive activities while you explore this innovative new space.

Remarks & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

4:15 PM | Welcome Center’s main entrance

We are honored to have your presence as we mark this moment in Lakewood’s story and continue our promise to be inviting, accessible and welcoming for all who visit. Gather at the main entrance as Lakewood leadership speaks and does the ceremonial ribbon cutting to dedicate the new building. 

Interactive Mandala Making Activity

4:30-7 PM

Create beauty from natural materials with an interactive mandala-making activity. Join guides Lex Dorfman and Amanda La France as they lead our visitors in creating a one-of-a-kind artwork to mark this special occasion. Flowers will be taken from the main entrance following the ribbon cutting ceremony, and used in the creation of this beautiful earth art. Guests will be invited to contribute to the piece with the provided flowers, using the moment to reflect on those they have lost, or focus on warmth and healing they wish for families who will step though the Welcome Center doors.

Inside the Welcome Center

The Welcome Center offers a variety of ways for Lakewood to serve families, support the community, and reimagine the role of a cemetery in modern life.  As you mingle and explore, here are some of the spaces you will find:

• An expanded Family Services area where Lakewood advisors meet with individuals and families in person and provide a comforting presence and listening ear.
• A Community Room devoted to exploring ideas, encouraging thought-provoking conversations, and exchanging fresh perspectives with our community.
• A new gallery space for displaying art and educational exhibits that spark thought and conversation. 

Lakewood’s Welcome Center is also a model of environmental responsibility and sustainability. As one of Minneapolis’ first net-zero energy ready buildings, it is designed to produce as much energy as it uses. It does this through state-of-the-art energy conservation and generation systems, including a geothermal mechanical system, a high-performance building envelope, and a rooftop solar array. Learn more about the Welcome Center here.

Lakewood Events Table

While you’re exploring the building, be sure to stop by the events table to learn more about our upcoming events and enter for your chance to win free tickets to Lakewood events. Volunteers and Lakewood staff will be available to answer questions and share more details about our robust event season.

Parking

Parking is available along the roads inside Lakewood’s gates unless otherwise noted with no parking signs. Handicap parking will be available near the Welcome Center entrance. 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.

Bussing 

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

Biking

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.

Rain Plan

This event will happen rain or shine, however some elements like the music and mandala-making activity will be moved inside. Remarks will take place under the buildings awning regardless of weather.

Questions? 

We would love to hear from you! Contact our events team through email at events@lakewoodcemetery.org or by calling 612-540-5165.