Commemorative artwork is a monument, memorial, or other type of original piece in any style, expression, genre, or media that is the unique creative expression of an artist designed to memorialize cultural, social, and political aspects of Minnesota's history. A commemorative artwork expresses or reflects the collective memory of an individual person, group, or event.
Commemorative artwork serves four primary functions:
A. to memorialize and remember;
B. to inform and inspire the viewer;
C. to have lasting historic and cultural significance; and
D. to accentuate and enhance the urban landscape.
Commemorative artwork may be event-based, temporary, or long-term.
An application must be submitted to make add a new Commemorative Work or to modify or remove an existing work. Early inquiry and consultation with Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) staff is strongly recommended before an application is submitted.
There are Rules governing Commemorative Works on the Minnesota Capitol grounds. The rules describe the steps and criteria that the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board uses to review public proposals for the addition of new works, or for the modification or removal of existing works. To learn more about the rule amendment process, visit the CAAPB rulemaking webpage. For information on the two commemorative work task forces that led the engagement and research efforts to shape the rule amendments, visit the task forces webpage.
The Revised Rules took effect on November 21, 2022. The full text of the rules are in Minnesota Rules Chapter 2400.2703. You can also read a copy of the amended rules here.
Early inquiry and consultation with CAAPB staff is strongly recommended before an application is submitted. Click here to submit the request form for early inquiry and consultation.
After early inquiry and consultation with CAAPB staff, the applicant may proceed with the formal application by submitting the required application information for the type of request – addition, modification, or removal. You can find the application forms on our Application for Commemorative Works page.
