20 Washington was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect who would later create the original World Trade Center in New York City, and completed in 1965 as the headquarters for Northwestern National Life Insurance Company. Yamasaki once described the building as "a park with a building in it," and standing beneath its towering, quartz-clad columns — which taper into pointed Gothic arches nearly 85 feet overhead — it's easy to see why. The building has been a fixture of the Minneapolis skyline for six decades and is now being reimagined as a boutique hotel, but its dramatic colonnade remains one of the city's most photographed spaces.

I set up directly beneath the portico at night, letting the repeating arches draw the eye straight down the line of columns toward the lit-up towers of downtown. The geometry here is what makes the shot — a rhythm of white stone and glass that feels almost architectural in the way it channels the skyline into a single framed view. It's one of those spaces that photographs differently every time depending on the light, but this is the moment I keep coming back to.

Looks Best On: The bright quartz columns and warm interior lighting stand out beautifully against a darker wall — charcoal, black, or deep navy — letting the architecture and skyline glow. It also works well on a crisp white or light gray wall for a cleaner, more modern gallery look. This piece suits an office, entryway, or any space that calls for strong architectural lines.

FAQ

What building is this? This is 20 Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis, designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki (also known for the original World Trade Center) and completed in 1965. Its quartz-faced columns and Gothic-arch portico have made it a Minneapolis landmark for decades.

What size should I order? It depends on your wall and viewing distance — larger sizes make a bold statement over a sofa or fireplace, while smaller sizes work well in hallways or gallery groupings. Not sure what will fit? Use the "View on Your Wall" AR tool on this page to preview the print at true size on your own wall using your phone or tablet before you order.

What formats is this image available in? This image is available on fine art paper — print only, matted, or framed — as well as metal and acrylic.

Is this print ready to hang? Framed fine art paper, metal, and acrylic prints all arrive ready to hang, straight out of the box. Matted prints (print only, no frame) are ready to drop into a standard frame of your choice.