Things to Do in Minneapolis: The Mary Tyler Moore Statue in Downtown Minneapolis Will Make You Smile by Elisa Schmitz

“Who can turn the world on with her smile?” That would be the inspiring Mary Tyler Moore. Her iconic statue in downtown Minneapolis stands at the spot where her character, Mary Richards, tossed her hat skyward in the opening shot of her 1970’s sitcom, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” that embraced women’s independence.

The beloved actress played a young, single TV producer for a Minneapolis news station. The show highlighted women in the workplace and their ability to have a career. The opening credits of the show end with a freeze frame of Mary tossing her hat into the sky, on the same corner where the statue was placed in 2002.

When in Minneapolis, it’s a must see on Nicollet Mall (corner of 7th Avenue). It’ll make you smile! Want to see even more about Mary Tyler Moore in Minneapolis? Here are some “Mary Tyler Moore Show” locations you can visit:

• Lake of the Isles: During the opening and closing credits, this is the lake Mary is seen walking around.

• IDS Crystal Court: Where Mary is seen shopping in the opening credits, located across the street from the statue.

• Kenwood House: The house Mary lived in, located at 2104 Kenwood Parkway.

• Basil's: Where Mary is seen having lunch in the opening credits, you can even reserve the Mary table if you call in advance, located at IDS Center, 7th and Nicollet.

Learn more by visiting Minneapolis.org.

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