Minneapolis, Minnesota: House of Balls

It was pretty confusing to get to. The GPS took me to a different location. Make sure you put the word South at the end of the address. Totally worth it, though! Call ahead before you go -- I think I needed an appointment. I walked around outside to view the outdoor sculptures anyways. They were incredible! I can only imagine what was inside!

After 28 years in the North Loop district of downtown Minneapolis, the House of Balls is moving to a larger, more accessible, packed-with-potential location, right at the Cedar Riverside LRT stop, and visible from I-35W and the 5th Street exit off of I-94. The House of Balls is now on a third of an acre, promising larger scale work and a more interactive presence.

After almost 30 years the House of Balls will be leaving the North Loop neighborhood for the Cedar Riverside area on the far side of downtown. The new location, 1504 South 7th Street, is adjacent to the Cedar/Riverside light rail stop, as well as a bike and walking path. It also features an outdoor area that overlooks the city and is visible from westbound I-94. Allen looks forward to doing his magic on a bigger scale, so fans of roadside art should certainly watch this space.

The House of Balls is an art studio filled with creations by Allen Christian. While taking a break from shopping at the Mall of America to take in some RSA sites, we made this awesome discovery. The artist was very friendly and let us come in and take a look around the studio. He does accept donations and it is well worth the experience. Christian uses recycled pieces to make his art. According to my niece, the House of Balls trumps all. This is her favorite RSA site, and she has been to a few hundred.

Weird and wonderful, creepy and quirky, the House of Balls is the creation of artist-sculptor Allen Christian. He's best known as the guy who carves bowling balls. He transforms ordinary objects onto expressive and magical works of art.

The House of Balls is Allen's studio and gallery tucked into a warehouse where the original Minneapolis street car company began over 100 years ago. You'll find Allen there in the evenings and the occasional weekend night. When he's there you'll likely get to see him creating his next piece Everything's for sale, but you'll have to ask the price.

His sculptures have been placed in public and private spaces. The Minnesota Science Museum features his version of "The Thinker" made of huge electrical transformers and other objects.