Love It or Hate It: Minnesota’s Ugliest Building Revealed

Minnesota has no shortage of jaw-dropping buildings, from historic gems to sleek modern icons, but one structure just picked up a title nobody wants. A national ranking has crowned this landmark the Ugliest Building in Minnesota.

This Minnesota building has long sparked a classic debate: bold architecture or brutal eyesore? While many buildings across the North Star State are stunning architectural masterpieces, this is the one structure that's been named the Ugliest Building in Minnesota.

Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but don't go to sleep on some of the way-cool modern and classically designed buildings that also call Minnesota home. Now, I'm no architect, mind you, but I'm pretty sure you can find some impressive buildings all over our fair state.

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From Iconic Landmarks to Minnesota’s Most Controversial Design

Here's one: Mayo Clinic's own Plummer Building in Rochester SHOULD have been in the running for the Most Iconic Building in Minnesota. I mean, it's been proudly standing since 1928, and was once even the tallest building in the entire Land of 10,000 Lakes. (BTW, HERE is what Architectural Digest says IS Minnesota's Most Iconic Building.)

But when it comes to the Ugliest Building in Minnesota? I wasn't sure, but the crew over at Business Insider ranked the Ugliest Buildings in all 50 States. And here in Minnesota, that honor goes to The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis.

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Why the Weisman Art Museum Was Named the Ugliest in the State

It's located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, where it's known simply as the Weisman Art Museum. The museum itself has been around for many years, but moved into its current location along the Mississippi River back in 2011.

Previous reviews of the building not been kind, noting that its 'aluminum foil monstrosity looks like something a five-year-old would design,' one critic said. Business Insider's survey said the building 'causes disorientation,' while also noting that U.S. Bank Stadium and the Hennepin County Government Center, both also in Minneapolis, received 'dishonorable mention' in the survey.

Frank Gehry's Bold Vision: Masterpiece or Eyesore?

The U of M says internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the Weisman, which excels in its 'role as a cultural resource for the University, students, Minnesota, and the state’s many visitors.'

I'm just guessing that most Minnesotans wouldn't necessarily call the Weisman 'ugly,' though. It's different, sure, and is one that definitely stands out. But is it ugly? Maybe the survey proves the old adage about 'beauty being in the eye of the beholder.'

And while the Weisman's design might not be what you'd have in mind if you were updating your home, there is ONE home that hasn't been updated... at all. Keep scrolling to check out this Minnesota house that hasn't changed at all since the 70s!