This place amazes me every time we step through the doors. Not only do they have the most wonderful selection, they do fantastic work on all of their lighting. We have "un-Menards" the lighting in our 1935 home, with beautiful pieces from here. Our electrician is very by the book, and the lights all have ground wires and are UL rated with their work.
We recently found a lamp at thrift, and found a beautiful shade here. They also rewired and used the period appropriate cording. They were extremely thorough with all details, down to the plug.
The customer service and staff knowledge is wonderful, and we love shopping here.
Walking into Architectural Antiques in Minneapolis is like stepping into a treasure trove of history and artistry, curated by none other than the extraordinary Ian. His customer relations are nothing short of phenomenal—he doesn’t just sell antiques; he crafts an unforgettable experience. Ian’s deep knowledge, genuine passion, and warmth make every visit a delight, leaving you feeling like family.
The collection? Absolutely breathtaking. From ornate Victorian ironwork to mid-century modern gems, each piece tells a story and exudes unparalleled charm. The diversity and quality of the items are unmatched in this part of the country, making Architectural Antiques a true haven for collectors, designers, and dreamers alike.
Ian’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from how pieces are displayed to the way he ensures each customer finds exactly what they’re looking for. Whether you’re hunting for a statement chandelier or a rare architectural relic, this is the place to go.
Five stars aren’t enough for this gem of a shop and its incredible owner. Ian, thank you for preserving history and sharing it so beautifully with the world. Simply AMAZING!
Ian and his team bring unparalleled knowledge and a keen eye for exceptional pieces. The Classic Construction team has relied on their expertise to add stunning, authentic details to our historic projects, elevating every design.
Found just the right chandelier for the front entry hall of the 1870 home I’m restoring. Interesting place with lots of architectural items to look through. Thanks!
The place is beautiful and offers a fine selection of amazing artifacts - as an antique lover, it is way too rich for my blood as the prices are top dollar (for, admittedly top tier inquiries). I recognize the skill of sourcing and preservation their curators take, so while I have an appreciation for it I was just not their target buyer. It was fun to walk around and appreciate!
Placed a successful bid on LiveAuctioneers for a chandelier only to find that, several days later, the item had been removed. I was sent no courtesy message from the auction house. I called Architectural Antiques to inquire about the removed item. I found out that the items this auction house lists for bid are also simultaneously for sale in their brick and mortar shop. I couldn’t believe it. How unprofessional. Even though I had placed a bid, someone else was still able to buy that item I thought I was winning. To make it worse, I had even called right after I had placed my bid to find out if I would be able to still buy the item should the reserve price not be met at auction. I was told to call back at auction’s end so that I could purchase item should it not sell for the reserve price. I was never told that the item could be purchased now. I have a feeling the platform this auction house uses would not support these selling practices. I have purchased many items from different auction houses over the years but would never deal with this one again.
Very expensive, but perhaps the best selection of interior/exterior I have ever seen in the state. Also, extra credit for sorting their items meticulously.
This place is incredible. They have so many beautiful architectural salvage pieces. We enjoyed looking around so much. They have a wide variety of items, are well organized, and keep a clean space! Would definitely go back.
UPDATE: Architectural Antiques has severe problems being truthful with their customers. This is clearly evident in their claim that I did not purchase items at their store as the attached email shows. I will be happy to continue posting proof until this business begins to be truthful. They need to show all of their customers much more respect and not deliberately try to mislead them. They should be ashamed.
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I only wish I could assign a ZERO (0) rating to this firm. Dealing with this company has proven to be a nightmare because they threaten customers who ask any questions about the excessive fees with which this firm “surprises” their customers after they purchase an item.
I purchased some lighting from this firm and, when I asked for clarification regarding the excessive shipping cost they quoted, I received the following threat from one of their employees: “if you would like me to provide an even more detailed itemization, the costs will likely increase.”
So, if a customer asks why they are being charged an excessive fee, they are threatened that the fee will be increased just because they are asking a question about it. I emailed Architectural Antiques and stated “I have a problem with your shipping quote because I feel I am being taken advantage of…your terse response threatening to increase the shipping cost because I’m asking for clarification is also not helpful.”
There firm replied with the following: “I apologize for my terseness and for sounding threatening. I am stressed from many different areas and it's not fair to take it out on you.” At this point, I thought Architectural Antiques was ready to work to resolve the problem. But I was wrong…
I was able to determine the true cost of shipping the items using the corporate UPS account for my own business. The true cost for shipping the items is $97.38, $218.02 LESS than the price quoted by Architectural Antiques. When I emailed about the cost difference and carefully explained how and why their shipping quote of $315.40 was EXCESSIVE, I was then threatened by yet another employee at Architectural Antiques - even though I was still willing to pay more than the actual cost of shipping the items (namely, $157.38).
This second employee stated that unless I paid without questions or shipped via their selected UPS store, my items would be considered to be abandoned and they would then claim ownership and keep my money. This is the definition of extortion. But it gets even worse…
When I contacted the franchised UPS store designated by Architectural Antiques, the UPS Store at agreed to apply my pre-paid UPS labels to the boxes containing my items and mail them to me as per corporate UPS policy. I then emailed Architectural Antiques and told them that their UPS Store had agreed to ship the items.
In response to my email, Architectural Antiques contacted the UPS Store and was able to get the store to violate corporate UPS policy and refuse to use my UPS pre-paid labels. Instead, the UPS Store now demanded $446.57 to ship my items. So, Architectural Antiques colluded with the UPS Store, with which the regularly do business, into violating corporate UPS policy and making the shipping quote even higher than the EXCESSIVE quote of Architectural Antiques.
As of today, nearly three months after I purchased the items, they, and the pre-paid UPS shipping labels I sent to Architectural Antiques, remain at this firm. Architectural Antiques refuses to simply put the labels on the boxes - even though Architectural Antiques stated in an email to me that “if you would like to provide your own labels, that would be acceptable.” They have also lied to my credit card company about their actions in this matter.
This is an especially frustrating as this entire matter could be resolved in less than ten minutes if Architectural Antiques would simply put the labels on the boxes and gave them to UPS…
Probably THE spot for architectural finds, repairs and one of a kind presentation/statement pieces in Minneapolis.
We have purchased many pieces, electric and furniture alike, to kit out our farmhouse Victorian we are tirelessly renovating. Always unique and great finds.
Incredible selection of blown glass light/lamp globes, door hardware and art pieces.
This is the place in the Twin Cities to get period-correct house fittings for local homes. There are a few others that may have what you need, but AA always comes through and usually has good quantities of even the little things so you can complete your restoration.
It's so nice to have stores like this too preserve history and reuse items instead of throwing them in a landfill. From hardware to kitchen sinks and lighting galore... windows and doors... Many great gems. They are not garage sale prices though, in case you think "old" equals cheap. They had some nice fireplace surrounds also.
This place is amazing! So many interesting thing to look and and consider. My wife and I purchased 3 living room chairs that we refinished ourselves!
Also, the staff is great!
They have an amazing collection of lighting but it's all way over priced. If your looking for a hard to find piece of hardware this is a good place to start. If you're on a budget don't even bother. It is worth a stroll through if your bored on a weekend.
Very beautiful items, thoughtfully curated store. I loved it until I didn't. Ultimately decided not to give them our business because when we asked how much an unmarked item was, an older gentleman told us, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it." I guess they think people don't remodel with a budget in mind.... These items are all overpriced anyway, even though we can afford them.
This is my happy place - literally. I've shopped, researched and been inspired by Architectural Antiques since 2001 when they were on Washington Ave. Most recently (2020) we purchased four industrial light fixtures; one for the powder room (3rd photo) and three for our kitchen island. The kitchen installation system required creative problem solving and collaboration with Maddie, Ian and Caleb. The entire team at Architectural Antiques accommodated our creative side tracks and evolving timeline, always with top notch customer service.
Very cool store and great staff! Ian was happy to help me find what I needed and even did some work after hours for a custom solution. I've been to all the salvage places and this was by far the best items and staff.
Amazing place! High quality shandeliers and sconces as well as gorgeous stain glass windows, antique mantels and hardware. We got help from one of their long-term employees who knew a ton about the different periods and styles.
Amazing place for extremely hard to find building materials for historical homes & buildings. Entire rooms like walls & shelves of a library from an old mansion can be purchased if that's your kind of thing. Do not look for getting a good deal here. The prices are appropriate for the uniqueness & scarcity of their amazing products.
Very helpful and accommodating and able to customize canopies chain length etc. on the spot. Lucky to have such a place in Minneapolis. Their prices are steep but once a year they mark down everything steeply, so if you can wait this might be your chance. Staff is truly helpful and went above and beyond to help me with a chain for a heavy chandelier. When we bought a lamp they rewired it for us without asking.
Love to dig around here for hidden gems. Found a small door to repurpose an old fish tank stand into a side table. Paid under 15 dollars for it, he asked for 20 but I only had 12 on me. Another local architectural salvage place did not have the selection or quality and it had ridiculous prices. I was very pleased with my treasure....come during the week. Less busy and more help in unearthing finds.
Great selection of items. I especially appreciate the lighting they have on hand. Friendly staff that is always willing to go the extra mile, too. Check this place out!!
I puked twice in my mouth after seeing the prices in this joint. First tag was 24k for a chandelier as we walked in and prices did not get better. But I will say ,cool place to walk through. Open that wallet if intending to buy,on a budget go to goodwill.
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