About
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.
History
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.
The O’Shaughnessy has three event series each year:
- The O’Shaughnessy Presents, incorporating Women Who Influence
- The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort
- St. Catherine University Events
- Community Events
The O'Shaughnessy Presents
Each season, The O’Shaughnessy partners with artists and organizations to develop and showcase significant work that furthers the mission of The O’Shaughnessy and St. Catherine University that is grounded in social justice and the search for peace. Women Who Influence is a part of the The O’Shaughnessy Presents series that highlights the contributions of women artists.
This season, we are proud to present a number of prominent national and local professional dance companies, and concerts by legendary and emerging artists. Our premiere series of professional artistic offerings is carefully curated — bringing timely and evocative performances of the highest caliber to our campus and region.
Tickets for all events in our The O’Shaughnessy Presents series are available online, in person, or by phone in our Ticket Office at The O’Shaughnessy.
St. Catherine University Events
The O’Shaughnessy also hosts St. Catherine University events such as public lectures, convocations and commencements.
Events that are open to the public are generally ticketed through The O’Shaughnessy and may be free or for a price, depending on the event. The O’Shaughnessy may also provide ticketing services for the Frey Theatre–the black box theatre space that is part of the O’Shaughnessy arts complex.
Community Events
Many events at The O’Shaughnessy are put on by guest presenters. We host community organizations, dance studios, artists and others who rent The O’Shaughnessy for their events. We provide Front of House services, Back of House and Technical services, and we may provide our online ticketing services if the events are open to the public.
The O'Shaughnessy Dance Cohort
The O’Shaughnessy has more than a 50-year legacy of support and partnership with local and regional professional arts organizations. Leaning into this legacy, we are introducing The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort. With an eye towards the future, this cohort aims to build partnerships to help accelerate audience development, enhance artistic experiences, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships amongst cohort member organizations and The O’Shaughnessy.
Our Funders
Select activities made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
