If you’re planning a trip to Minneapolis and want to skip the predictable tourist trail, put House of Balls on your list. It’s free, it’s bizarre, and it’s genuinely one of the most memorable stops we made on our entire trip.
What Is House of Balls?
House of Balls is a free art gallery tucked into downtown Minneapolis – and it is exactly as weird and wonderful as it sounds. Every piece inside is the work of owner and artist Allen Christian, an electrician by trade who has channeled his craft into some of the most unexpected, intricate art you’ll ever see.
We’re talking bowling balls, animal bones, metal scraps, needles, and who knows what else — all configured into pieces that somehow manage to be both obscure and beautiful at the same time. There is something fascinating around every corner, every nook, every cranny.
Our Experience
We actually showed up on our first attempt to find the gallery closed — Allen had stepped away for a funeral, which is a good reminder that this is a one-man operation. We came back the next day and were so glad we did. Allen was there, and he personally took us around and shared the stories behind the pieces. That alone elevated the whole experience.
The space has both indoor and outdoor displays, with some interactive elements mixed in — including a rotating “magic” doorway that leads you into a second exhibit room, and a fenced yard area out back. Every time you think you’ve seen it all, there’s another corner with something unexpected waiting.
Tips Before You Go
- Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 PM
- Call ahead: Seriously, do this. Since Allen runs the gallery himself, hours can vary. A quick call before you make the trip could save you a wasted stop.
- Admission: Completely free — but there’s a donation spot inside, and we highly recommend leaving something. This place deserves to exist.
- Sign the guest book: It’s a small thing, but it feels right.
- Location: Right in downtown Minneapolis, just around the corner from the Metro stop that connects to the Mall of America – making it an easy add-on to a bigger Twin Cities day.
Why It’s Worth It
There are plenty of free things to do in Minneapolis, but House of Balls stands apart because it feels genuinely personal. This isn’t a polished museum experience – it’s someone’s life’s work, displayed with zero pretension and total openness. Allen Christian built something here that doesn’t fit into any tidy category, and that’s exactly what makes it so worth seeing.
Save this post, add it to your Minneapolis bucket list, and follow along for more underrated Midwest finds.
Have you visited House of Balls? Drop your experience in the comments – we’d love to hear what you thought.
Written By Erin Mullen
Erin is a digital marketing professional and content strategist who believes in being loving, authentic and bold. She is all about the detailed touches that turn experiences into truly memorable moments.
Social Media: @AnotherAdventureGirls
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