Carnegie Public Library, Sioux Falls
The Carnegie Free Public Library, now known as Carnegie Town Hall, is a historic landmark in Sioux Falls. The library was constructed in 1903 with a $25,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation. Designed by architect Joseph Schwartz, the building is an impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture with Neoclassical influences.
Built from locally quarried quartzite, a distinctive building material in the region, the structure features a grand entrance framed by a Greek pediment and four pilasters. This unique combination of Romanesque massing with Classical detailing makes it the only quartzite building in Sioux Falls to incorporate Classical elements, showcasing a rare architectural blend.
For nearly seven decades, the Carnegie Free Public Library served as the city鈥檚 primary library until it relocated to a larger facility in 1972. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Following the library鈥檚 move, the Civic Fine Arts Association repurposed the building as an art museum, using it to showcase various exhibitions from 1973 until 1999.
In 2001, the building underwent renovations to accommodate its new role as Carnegie Town Hall, serving as the Sioux Falls City Council chambers. Today, the former Carnegie Library remains a significant piece of Sioux Falls history, symbolizing the city鈥檚 commitment to education, culture, and community engagement.
Built from locally quarried quartzite, a distinctive building material in the region, the structure features a grand entrance framed by a Greek pediment and four pilasters. This unique combination of Romanesque massing with Classical detailing makes it the only quartzite building in Sioux Falls to incorporate Classical elements, showcasing a rare architectural blend.
For nearly seven decades, the Carnegie Free Public Library served as the city鈥檚 primary library until it relocated to a larger facility in 1972. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Following the library鈥檚 move, the Civic Fine Arts Association repurposed the building as an art museum, using it to showcase various exhibitions from 1973 until 1999.
In 2001, the building underwent renovations to accommodate its new role as Carnegie Town Hall, serving as the Sioux Falls City Council chambers. Today, the former Carnegie Library remains a significant piece of Sioux Falls history, symbolizing the city鈥檚 commitment to education, culture, and community engagement.
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Carnegie Public Library on Map
Sight Name: Carnegie Public Library
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Create Your Own Walk in Sioux Falls
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sioux Falls is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sioux Falls Introduction Walking Tour
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, owes its name to the powerful Sioux people who once lived in the region and the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River which have shaped both the landscape and the city鈥檚 development.
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles