Saturday May 9th, 2026 and Sunday May 10th, 2026 from 10:00am-5:00pm each day (see schedule below for activity times and availability)
Visitors to Foci MCGA will experience the energy of a working glass studio through guided tours, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities that highlight both coldworking and hot glass processes free of charge.
Throughout both days, Foci MCGA will host a promotional gallery sale featuring handmade glass artwork. Visitors who spend $30 will receive a free glass item, encouraging exploration of our gallery and supporting local artists. Offer is non-transferrable and only valid during Doors Open Minneapolis while supplies last.
Individuals under 14 are required to attend with a parent or guardian.
View Travel & Parking Info, Accessibility Details, and FAQ here.
Our on-site gallery space will also have a glass exhibition for attendees to view! The Solo Exhibition Streptomyces byMiNHi England, Netflix Blown Away Series 3 Finalist, explores the paradox of Streptomyces bacteria as a metaphor for grief. Through material transformations represented in glass, MiNHi’s artwork reflects how loss, illness, and love can metabolize decay into survival. This exhibit is also on view March 6-May 9, 2026 at Foci MCGA during public access hours.Learn more about the solo exhibition here!
Activities & Schedule:
Saturday, May 9, 2026: Visitors can join brief guided studio tours offered every 20 minutes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at our hot shop, cold shop, and education spaces. In addition, guests may participate in a Stained Glass Pendant Activity. Participants will choose from pre-cut, copper-foiled glass pieces, which artists will solder on demand and finish with a jump ring. Those interested may try soldering themselves under supervision, and everyone leaves with a finished pendant.
Sunday, May 10, 2026: Guided studio tours will again be offered every 20 minutes. Visitors may also pre-register for Design Your Own Flowers, a hands-off hot glass experience. Participants work one-on-one with a professional glassblower to design custom glass flowers by selecting colors and patterns, then observe as their designs are formed in real time using molten glass in the hot shop. This experience is observation-based only; participants do not handle hot glass or tools. Finished pieces cool slowly in the kiln and will be ready for gallery pickup within seven days.