Mpls & Tours Sister Cities

Minneapolis’s sister city relationship with Tours will be taking center stage in downtown Minneapolis from April 3 – May 30 as a new exhibit Les Américains à Tours 1917-1919 will pay tribute to the Americans stationed in Tours during World War I. At the Hennepin Gallery (lower level exhibit space in the Hennepin County Government Center), visitors will be able to learn about how our sister city became a United States supply base during the epic conflict once known as “The Great War.” This exhibit, created by the city of Tours to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I, was first displayed last year in France when Minnesota was selected to be the featured guest at the Foire de Tours. It has been translated into English for its North American debut this spring! For more information, please visit the Hennepin County website.

Did you see the great article in the Star Tribune recently about Clara Osowski, a friend of Minneapolis and Tours Sister Cities who has performed in Tours at the Académie Francis Poulenc? Félicitations Clara! To learn more about her travels in France with fellow artist Mark Bilyeu, read our two part blog about their trip:

Two Minneapolitans travel to Tours for a song

Two local artists share remembrances of Tours

The entrance to the Minnesota tent at the Foire de Tours

Nearly 100 Americans visited Tours earlier this month to take part in the Foire de Tours, a regional exhibition that featured all things Minnesotan to strengthen bonds with our French sister city and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American arrival during World War I. Read our blog to learn more or like us on Facebook to view photos from this historic visit!

After years of planning, the time has come – Minnesota will be the featured guest at the Foire de Tours in our French sister city May 5-14! An exhibition similar to our state fair, the Foire highlights gastronomy, regional specialties, consumer products, live entertainment and more. Minnesota will have a dedicated exhibit space to showcase everything that makes the north star state unique including an eatery headed by award-winning chef Sean Sherman preparing indigenous foods and hometown favorites such as wild rice and walleye. Head to our blog for a Q&A with Sean and like us on Facebook to view photos from our exhibit!