Located on the scenic campus of St. Catherine University, The O’Shaughnessy is one of the Twin Cities’ premiere arts venues. Since opening in 1970, The O’Shaughnessy has presented an array of both local and national performing arts companies. The O’Shaughnessy’s mission is to support St. Catherine University’s mission to educate women to lead and influence. It presents annually a world-class series of artistic offerings that center themes of social justice and women’s voices, produces University Events that invite the general public’s participation and broaden academic engagement, and hosts select community events. The venue is a meeting place between the campus community and larger region, and seeks opportunities to actively engage students in artmaking and broaden the campus dialogue through approachable art.
Located on the gorgeous St. Catherine University campus in St. Paul, The O’Shaughnessy is one of the Twin Cities’ preeminent performing arts venues. Its name honors former St. Catherine University trustee, generous benefactor and Renaissance man, I.A. O’Shaughnessy.
Upon its opening in 1970, The O’Shaughnessy quickly became a coveted venue for local and regional orchestras, chamber music ensembles and modern music. Today, The O’Shaughnessy hosts a wide range of artists — musicians, dance and theater companies — who rave about its performance space and acoustics.
Since its inception, The O’Shaughnessy has become a forum for women in leadership. Coretta Scott King, Dr. Susan Love, Jeham Sadat and Madeleine Albright have all shared their stories from its stage. Annually, it hosts a variety of public lectures and St. Kate’s educational programs, as well as convocations and commencement.
The designer of this concrete wonder, award-winning Minneapolis architect Curt Green was a founding partner of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA). Renowned for his acoustic expertise, Mr. Green gravitated to projects that demanded impeccable sound quality. He is also responsible for the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery on the St. Kate’s campus.
The style of architecture is called “Brutalism,” which simply means that the building exposes the materials it was built with. So you’ll see, for instance, the impressions of the wooden forms used to cast the concrete that make up the structure. For all its exterior coldness, the auditorium itself is intimate and inviting, and a wonderful venue to hear music, or experience dance.
Nearing its 55-year anniversary, The O’Shaughnessy is a performing space to behold — visually and acoustically. If you are among our devoted patrons, we appreciate your participation and loyalty.
If you have not experienced a performance at The O’Shaughnessy, we invite you join us soon.
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