Arts & Culture

LITTLE THEATRE OF OWATONNA

Founded in 1966 to bring “culture, art and entertainment to Owatonna and the surrounding communities with active participation by all interested,” LittleTheatreofOwatonna mountsfourtofive productions a year, with the repertoire ranging from comedy to drama to musical theater. 560A Dunnell Dr., Owatonna 507-457-0764 Littletheatreofowatonna.org

OWATONNA ARTS CENTER

Located on the historic campus of Minnesota’s only state orphanage, the Owatonna Arts Center is a place to discover surprising insights of the world around you and new talents within you. The center’s vitality is experienced in the art classes that are offered for children and adults, exhibitions by regional professional artists and musical performances. The Owatonna Arts Center’s mission “to make the arts accessible to the community and to promote creativity.” 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna 507-451-0533 Oacarts.org

STEELE COUNTY HISTORY CENTER & VILLAGE OF YESTERYEAR

The Village of Yesteryear, operated by the Steele County Historical Society, is where visitors can experience what life was like in Owatonna and Steele County at the turn of the 20th century. There are two log cabins, a railroad station with a 1850’s caboose from Steele County, gas station, general store/postoffice, firestation,farmmachinerybuilding,blacksmithshop, country school, Dunnell mansion built in 1868 and the St. Wenceslaus of Moravia Church built in 1891. The buildings are furnished according to the time they were built and are connected by a boardwalk.

The fully accessible and modern center features exhibits and offers historically related programs throughout the year. 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna 507-451-1420 Steelehistorymuseum.org

ORPHANAGE MUSEUM

In 1885, the Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. This new state orphanage operated from 1886-1945. During that time, 10,635 children passed through this institution. Today the campus is known as the West Hills Complex. The Minnesota State Public School OrphanageMuseumislocatedonthefirst oorofthe city administration building. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum contains photos, artifacts and stories of the children who lived this history. 540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna 507-774-7369 Orphanagemuseum.com

LOUIS H. SULLIVAN NATIONAL FARMERS BANK

The year was 1906. The National Farmers Bank — the largestbankinthecity—hadoutgrownitsofficeson thefirst oorofa40-year-oldbuildingindowntown Owatonna. Carl Bennett, then-vice president of the bank, commissioned famed architect Louis H. Sullivan to design a “true and lasting work of art” to be the home of the bank. Construction of the new bank in Owatonna —thefirst of Sullivan’s “jewel boxes” — began in April 1907 and was completed in 1908. The red brick structure with green terra cotta bands features two large arches displaying stained glass windows designed by Louis J. Millet. Inside are several murals by Oskar Gross and a “poem of colors,” featuring more than 200 shades, primarily blues and greens, intricate terra cotta and gold-leaf detailing.

In Jan. 7, 1976, the building was recognized as a national historic landmark. The United States Postal Service commemorated the building , now a Wells Fargo branch, in 1981, putting the image of the bank on a postage stamp. 101 North Cedar Ave., Owatonna