The Luminary Society: Frank Lloyd Wright's Neils House on Cedar Lake

One of Minneapolis’ most remarkable works of residential architecture will open for an intimate evening celebrating design and place.
About this Event

Rethos invites you to the next gathering of The Luminary Society: An Exclusive Key to Extraordinary Spaces, an intimate event series offering special access to remarkable places and the stories behind them.

Following previous Luminary Society evenings atop the IDS Center in 2025 and inside Minoru Yamasaki’s Northwestern National Life Building in May, 2026, this gathering takes us into an entirely different kind of architectural landmark: the Frieda and Henry J. Neils House, an exceptional Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence overlooking Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.

Designed in 1949 and completed in 1950–51, the Neils House reflects Wright’s Usonian vision of architecture shaped by its landscape and the lives of the people within it. Its L-shaped plan, dramatic cantilevers, expansive windows, soaring living room, and unusual palette of marble, Western larch, and aluminum make the house a distinctive work in Wright’s postwar career. It is also the only Wright-designed house constructed of marble.

During this intimate gathering, guests will have time to explore and experience the home’s remarkable spaces while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and hosted beer and wine. Architectural historian and author Jane Hession will share the story of Wright’s Usonian ideas, his collaboration with Frieda and Henry Neils, and the home’s place in Minnesota’s architectural history.

With only 30 guests, this Luminary Society evening offers a rare opportunity to experience an extraordinary private residence in a setting designed for conversation, discovery, and connection.

Proceeds support Rethos and our work connecting people to the places that tell Minnesota’s stories.

Ticketing
Signature Access

Event Entry: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Includes:

• Entry to The Luminary Society event
• Wine with curated bites
• Talk by architectural historian Jane King Hession
• Access to the full home
• A vibrant atmosphere of design, conversation, and connection

Optional: Luminary Society Charter Contribution – $125

(Fully tax-deductible donation)

Become a Founding Charter Member of The Luminary Society:

• Recognition on event signage and website
• Invitation to future Luminary Society events
• Support the growth of City Stories and heritage programming

What to Expect

• An exclusive evening inside a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home
• Access to the full home
• A lively, social atmosphere with wine, conversation, and design-minded guests
• Limited seating—this is primarily a standing, cocktail-style evening

Photography Disclosure

Rethos staff, volunteers and contract employees may document this event for future promotional materials, fundraising or advertising of Rethos as well as Luminary Society events. By attending this event, participants grant full permission to Rethos to use photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, or any other record of this event, for any legitimate purpose without any monetary payment.

If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify a member of the event staff.