IDS Crystal Court in Minneapolis, MN

One of the escalators in the IDS Crystal Court in Minneapolis, MN is captured forever in pop culture history as the one Mary Tyler Moore rode on in her 1970s television show. And even 30 years later the place is still impressive as ever. In fact, IDS Crystal Court is one of the top landmarks architecturally in the city of Minneapolis. It even won architectural awards in its early years.

The IDS Center itself is 57 stories of offices as well as the Marquette Hotel and the famed Crystal Court which has special high end retail shops. The Crystal Court is modeled after Italian piazzas and features a gorgeous floor to ceiling water fountain in addition to skylights that really open up the place. The olive trees skirted by white benches within the urban park housed here is especially striking and peaceful at the same time.

You can get a great view of not only the waterfall but all of the Minneapolis within the lobby area of Basil's Restaurant housed many floors up. This is the best place to catch the views as the observation deck is permanently closed. IDS Crystal Court has also hosted quite a few events over the years such as movie filming and cultural events and such. If you are seeking a leisurely afternoon, this is the spot to choose in Minneapolis. IDS Crystal Court is a great way to pass a few hours shopping at one of the high end stores and then perhaps wrap up with a late lunch or early dinner in the restaurant or grab a specially blended juice at the juice bar located upstairs. Take your camera to capture some memories of this beautiful piece of architecture.