An immigrant’s relationship with a city is a two-way process that inevitably changes both the newcomer and the new home itself. The beautiful architectural renderings of Irish-born architect Dan Gleeson vividly illustrate how one immigrant artist’s imagination helped shape the actual landscapes and skylines of the Twin Cities.

Born in County Tipperary, raised on a farm in rural Kerry, Gleeson came to Minneapolis in 1968 to join the team designing the iconic IDS Center—still the tallest building in the state. After opening his own office above O’Connell’s Pub on Grand Avenue in the ’70s, Gleeson went on to help reimagine parts of Grand Avenue, Lowertown and more.

This show of selections from his extensive architectural portfolio celebrates Gleeson’s gorgeous work and its many dreamlike depictions of familiar (and not-so-familiar) sights around Minneapolis-St. Paul.

In conjunction with the show, the Eoin McKiernan Library will release an oral history interview with Dan Gleeson about his life including growing up in Ireland, moving to Minnesota, his architectural career, the development of Grand Avenue, and his involvement with the Twin Cities Irish community and Na Fianna Irish Theatre.

This free event is part of Irish Arts Week 2024.