- Attraction: Purcell-Cutts House
- Location: 2328 Lake Place, Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://new.artsmia.org/art-artists/architecture/purcell-cutts-house/
Frank Lloyd Wright may get all the fame, but tucked away near Lake of the Isles sits a Prairie School home that architecture experts consider even more complete in its vision.
The Purcell-Cutts House stands as one of the most significant examples of Prairie School architecture in the entire country, designed in 1913 by William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie as a revolutionary statement against stuffy Victorian traditions.
Built originally for Purcell’s own family and named after his wife Edna, this modest yet stunning home embodies everything the Prairie School movement represented – clean lines, organic design, and a complete break from the architectural past.
What makes this house truly special is that it survives today exactly as the architects envisioned it, offering you a rare glimpse into early 20th-century progressive living.
Architectural Marvels That Will Leave You Speechless
The Open Floor Plan Revolution: You’ll experience firsthand how Purcell demolished Victorian room concepts by creating flowing spaces connected by level changes and a continuous tented ceiling.
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Keep Exploring →The sunken living room flows seamlessly into the raised dining area, creating intimacy within openness – a concept that was radical for 1913 but feels remarkably modern today.
Eighty Stunning Art Glass Windows: Every room bathes in jewel-toned light filtering through intricate stained glass windows designed by George Elmslie.
These aren’t just decorative – they’re part of a unified “system of ornament” that ties the entire house together with organic, nature-inspired patterns that change throughout the day as light moves across the Minnesota landscape.
The Famous “Peekaboo” Front Door Window: Before you even enter, you’ll notice the charming small window in the front door that lets visitors peek inside – a playful touch that immediately signals this isn’t your typical formal Victorian home.
Ingenious Built-In Features: The house showcases innovative storage solutions that feel incredibly contemporary, including built-in bookcases, window seats, and even drawers built directly under the upstairs bed. Every piece of furniture and fixture was designed specifically for this space, creating perfect harmony between function and beauty.
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Discover MoreCharles Livingston Bull’s Ethereal Mural: Above the fireplace, you’ll find a serene mural depicting Louisiana herons in flight – a peaceful focal point that perfectly captures the house’s connection to nature and organic design principles.
The Kitchen of the Future: For 1913, the kitchen was remarkably modern, featuring a gas stove, icebox, ample storage, and even an electric call system for household help. You’ll see how Purcell embraced new technologies while maintaining the home’s aesthetic integrity.
Atmosphere & Design Philosophy
Prairie School Perfection: The house demonstrates Louis Sullivan’s principle that buildings should reflect their time and place. Its horizontal lines echo the flat Midwestern landscape, while the nearly flat roof and earthen color palette connect it to the surrounding environment.
Intimate Yet Spacious Feel: Despite occupying a narrow 50-by-150-foot lot, the clever design makes the interior feel surprisingly roomy. The pointed prow separating dining and living areas creates a cozy writing nook, while the open plan maintains visual flow throughout.
Light as a Design Element: You’ll notice how the architects strategically placed windows on the east, south, and west sides to capture Minnesota’s changing light throughout the day. The art glass transforms ordinary sunlight into something magical.
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Keep Exploring →Original Color Schemes: The restoration maintains Purcell and Elmslie’s original color palette of warm earth tones, with elaborate stenciling throughout that showcases Elmslie’s genius for decorative detail.
Museum-Quality Preservation: The Minneapolis Institute of Art has meticulously restored every detail, from the exterior stucco to the interior stencil friezes, ensuring you experience the house exactly as the architects intended.
Other Considerations
Exclusive Monthly Tours: Tours happen only on the second full weekend of each month, making this a truly special experience. You’ll need to reserve tickets in advance through the Minneapolis Institute of Art for $10 ($8 for contributing members).
Intimate Group Experience: The house’s compact size means tour groups stay small, giving you plenty of opportunity to examine architectural details up close and ask questions about the innovative design features.
Historical Context Beyond Architecture: Recent tours include fascinating discussions about early 1900s Minneapolis, covering topics like hygiene and health in design, women in architecture, and the history of race and access to housing – adding rich social context to the architectural experience.
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Discover MoreAccessibility Considerations: Due to the historic design, the house includes two sets of stairs and places the restroom in the basement with no elevator access. However, gallery stools are available, and the museum accommodates visitors with mobility needs whenever possible.
Prime Lake District Location: The house sits in one of Minneapolis’s most desirable neighborhoods near the Chain of Lakes, making it easy to combine your visit with a walk around Lake of the Isles or exploration of the vibrant Uptown area.
Special Holiday Tours: During the winter holiday season, the house offers special “Winterlights” tours featuring period decorations that show how a progressive 1915 family might have celebrated Christmas, complete with costumed docents.
Worth the Limited Schedule: While the monthly schedule requires planning, visitors consistently describe the tour as unforgettable, with many calling it a “hidden gem” and praising the knowledgeable, passionate guides who bring the house’s history to life.
Purcell-Cutts House
📍 2328 Lake Place, Minneapolis, MN 55405
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