Rising from the Ruins

Mill City Museum ’s iconic Mill Ruins Courtyard is about to transform like never before. On three nights this October, the walls will be illuminated and bathed in color during a special projection performance titled Rising from the Ruins.

Blending art and music, Rising from the Ruins is an epic and imaginative journey that sets off from the banks of Owamniyomni, widely known today as St. Anthony Falls. It explores time, history, and space to tell the story of all who are affected by the falls’ and the river’s power.

Local artist Paul Herwig created the story that incorporates music from Ben Siems and graphic novel-style drawings from Dirk Opstale. Herwig is one of the area’s sole practitioners of projection mapping and live animated projection events.

This event will take place on three consecutive nights, October 3-5. On each evening, there will be two performances at 7:30 pm and 9 pm. Doors will open at 7 pm for the first showing and 8:30 pm for the later showing.

Tickets can be purchased online for $15 in advance or at the door for $20. Minnesota Historical Society members save 20%. If a performance is canceled due to poor weather, a make-up showing will be scheduled for October 7.

Paul Herwig is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

The activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.