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Idea House

Idea House I by Malcolm E. Lein, front, 1941. Idea House I, back

Houses full of ideas

Idea House I was built in 1941. It had open spaces inside and modern technology - stainless steel walls and ceiling fans. Remember this was the 1940s! Click here if you want to read what a student from Lincoln Junior High school wrote about her experience visiting Idea House I.

Idea House II was built next to the finished Idea House I on land right next to today's Walker Art Center. It opened in September 1947. Idea House I was torn down in 1962 to make room for the Guthrie Theater. Idea House II went down to the wrecking ball in 1969 when the Guthrie decided to add a large backstage and scene shop to its original building.