- Attraction: Southdale Center
- Location: 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435
- Industry: Shopping Mall
- Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/southdale-center
Forget everything you think you know about shopping mall history – it all started right here in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina.
Southdale Center opened its doors on October 8, 1956, as the world’s first fully-enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall, forever changing how Americans shop and socialize.
This groundbreaking destination didn’t just invent the modern mall experience – it created a template that would be replicated thousands of times across the globe.
Designed by Austrian architect Victor Gruen for the Dayton family (founders of what would become Target), Southdale was conceived as more than just a shopping center.
Gruen envisioned a “Garden Court of Perpetual Spring” – a community gathering place inspired by the lively pedestrian environments and arcades of European cities. When it opened, over 40,000 people visited on the first day alone, with another 188,000 flooding in during the following week.
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Historic Architecture: The moment you step inside, you’ll notice Harry Bertoia’s iconic “Golden Trees” sculpture – a striking steel tree with abstract gold leaves that’s considered one of the most important midcentury sculptures in a public space.
This artistic centerpiece sets the tone for a shopping experience that blends history with modern convenience.
Premium Brand Selection: You’ll discover an impressive lineup of over 85 retail stores that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and luxury.
Popular destinations include J.Crew, Sephora, Macy’s, Apple Store, Madewell, Tory Burch, and lululemon, ensuring you can find everything from everyday essentials to special occasion pieces.
Recent additions like Breitling, Marc Jacobs, and State & Liberty showcase the mall’s commitment to bringing exclusive, high-end brands to the Twin Cities.
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Discover MoreDiverse Dining Scene: Your dining options range from sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, Yumi Sushi, and P.F. Chang’s to quick bites at Shake Shack, Qdoba Mexican Grill, and Panda Express.
The newest addition, Puttshack, offers tech-infused mini golf alongside cocktails you can actually drink on the course – a unique twist that perfectly captures Southdale’s innovative spirit.
Entertainment Options: The 16-screen AMC Megaplex provides the latest blockbusters, while Dave & Buster’s combines arcade gaming with dining. Life Time Athletic serves as one of the anchor tenants, featuring a stunning 175,000-square-foot facility complete with a rooftop beach club, indoor pickleball courts, and premium spa services.
Family-Friendly Features: The mall includes an indoor play area with “Simon Kidgets” scattered throughout for children to find during visits, plus baby changing stations in every restroom and dedicated family restrooms near the children’s area.
Atmosphere & Design
Climate-Controlled Comfort: The mall maintains a comfortable 75-degree temperature year-round, a revolutionary concept when it opened to combat Minnesota’s harsh winters. This climate control system was so innovative that it became the standard for every indoor mall that followed.
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Keep Exploring →Spacious Layout: The layout strikes an ideal balance – large enough to house all the classic mall anchors and specialty stores you’d expect, yet manageable enough to navigate comfortably without feeling overwhelmed.
You can easily move between stores without the crushing crowds and traffic headaches that plague mega-malls. The thoughtful design allows for leisurely browsing and spontaneous discoveries.
Historic Character: You’ll notice the nostalgic appeal of walking through a space that maintains its midcentury charm while embracing modern updates.
The recent $400 million renovation includes fresh lighting, modern seating areas, enhanced greenery, and a contemporary color palette that honors the original design while creating a more vibrant shopping environment.
European-Inspired Elements: Gruen’s original design included features like sidewalk cafes, a goldfish pond, bird aviary, and sculptures to recreate the energy of Viennese streets and plazas, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a town square than a typical shopping center.
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Reasonable Pricing: Southdale offers a nice middle ground between luxury and accessibility. You’ll find great deals throughout the mall, with quality clothing that features thicker fabrics and superior construction compared to discount retailers. The variety of price points across different stores means you can shop within any budget.
Convenient Location & Parking: Located off 66th and France Avenue, the mall serves nearby communities including Edina, Richfield, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park.
The original design included over 5,200 parking spaces organized into lots marked with clever animal symbols to help visitors remember their location. Some visitors note that the east side parking lot can be tight during winter, so arriving early or using alternative entrances helps during peak times.
Less Crowded Alternative: For those who want to shop without the spectacle and congestion of Mall of America, Southdale provides an excellent selection of stores and restaurants without the challenge of navigating massive crowds or dealing with traffic delays. You’ll find plenty of quality shopping options in a more relaxed environment.
Historic Significance: As one of the key developers noted, Southdale has an incredible story as the oldest mall in the country and how it continues to reinvent itself for new generations. Every visit feels like you’re part of retail history, walking through the birthplace of the modern shopping mall experience.
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Keep Exploring →Strategic Timing: Weekday visits typically offer the most relaxed shopping experience, while weekends bring more energy and family activities. Store hours are Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-9pm, Friday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm.
Southdale Center
📍 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435
