The Heart of the City is a gathering place. A space where the Rochester MN community comes together to celebrate, participate, observe, learn, and just be together.
The Heart of the City is alive with a vibrancy that reflects the diversity of our city. Steps away are Methodist Hospital and the Gonda Building where children are born and lives are saved every day. The Historic Chateau Theatre, operated by Threshold Arts, curates and hosts collaborative programming with a wide variety of partner organizations.
Public art is one of the core foundations for the Heart of the City. Public, community artwork allows residents and visitors to have both shared and individual experiences. There are several art installations within the Peace Plaza these Heart of the City Family Activities invite you to explore these artworks further.
The Heart of the City Activities is a partnership between Threshold Arts, DMC – Destination Medical Center, and Rochester Local.
A Song for Water
Ann Hamilton, A Song for Water (2021) with De Wakpa Taŋka Odowaŋ / Song for the Mississippi River (2018) by Dr. Gwen Westerman
Artists: Visual art by Ann Hamilton – Columbus, OH | poem by Dr. Gwen Westerman – Southern, MN
A Song for Water with De Wakpa Taŋka Odowaŋ / Song for the Mississippi River features fragmented words and phrases carved onto the pavers that make up the plaza grounds. Internationally acclaimed artist Ann Hamilton created the granite carvings using the words of poet and Dakota historian Dr. Gwen Westerman.
Exploring the Heart of the City | A Song for Water
Use this PDF printable to explore A Song for Water in the Heart of the City in downtown Rochester, MN. Watch the videos featuring Amelia Cordell — Native American Liaison for Rochester Public Schools.
Mni – Water
Maȟpíya – Cloud
Mahká – Earth
Oyaté – People
Wakpá – River
All Videos
