The Bakken Museum Commemorates 50 Years in Minneapolis with Three-Day Celebration
STEM-focused museum honors legacy and builds for the future with gala, birthday bash, and book fest
Minneapolis, Sept. 17, 2025 — The Bakken Museum is honoring half a century of inspiring innovation with a special 50th Birthday Weekend, October 10–12, 2025. The weekend offers something for everyone, from a formal gala to fun family activities and a festival celebrating STEM literature. In honor of its groundbreaking in 1975 by Earl Bakken — co-founder of Medtronic — The Bakken Museum is celebrating 50 years of blending science, technology, and the humanities to educate and inspire Minnesota.
“For 50 years, The Bakken has played a unique role at the intersection of innovation and local community here in the Twin Cities,” said Jenn Hensley, CEO, The Bakken Museum. “This weekend is our way of saying thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey, and inviting many more into our mission of inspiring innovation.”
Weekend events:
Friday, October 10: “Brilliant at 50” Gala - An elegant start to the weekend, including heavy hors d’oeuvres, two complimentary drinks with a full bar, a live auction, and the announcement of our 50 Innovators series.
Historic Grain Belt Brewery, Minneapolis
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
General admission tickets start at $150, group discounts are available
Saturday, October 11: 50th Birthday Bash - Free admission for all. Guests are invited to explore the museum, its gardens, and enjoy a day filled with interactive exhibits, family‐friendly science activities, and a celebration of The Bakken’s mission.
The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55416
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 12: Minnesota’s First STEM Book Fest - Science meets literature at this all‐ages, free event. Participate in author readings, workshops, and a pop‐up book market that highlights STEM themes. Literary partner: The Thinking Spot.
The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55416
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This milestone is more than a commemoration; it reflects The Bakken’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation. As part of the celebration, The Bakken is recognizing 50 local contemporary changemakers. Over 2025–26, these innovators will be featured in a series of limited-edition Lego-block minifigures to honor their contributions across science, education, arts, and other fields. Nominate a changemaker at thebakken.org.
All anniversary event details are at: www.thebakken.org/fifty
Media contact:
Mike Frahm
Marketing & Communications Manager
The Bakken Museum
Email: frahm@thebakken.org
Phone: 612-554-9543
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