A burst of joyous optimism caught in bronze—that’s the magnetic energy radiating from one of Minneapolis’s most beloved public art pieces. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of television history, simply stand by this statue where a hat flew into the sky, and maybe, just maybe, feel your own spirits take flight.
Commissioned by TV Land and unveiled in May 2002, this lifelike bronze sculpture captures Mary Richards in mid-hat toss—her trademark moment from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Sculpted by Gwen Gillen to stand precisely where the show’s opening sequence was filmed, the statue quickly became a cherished emblem of empowerment, kicking off decades of admiration and photo-ops.
Iconic Highlights to Savor
Every glance at this statue doubles as a time capsule. Gillen painstakingly recreated the tilt of Mary’s arm and the flight of her tam—with the hat hovering just beyond her grasp—making it feel alive and spontaneous. Locals and visitors alike gravitate here, reenacting her jubilant twist and holidaying in nostalgia for a time when one woman’s smile could truly “turn the world on.” What started as a fictional camera moment now pulses genuinely through daily city life.
Atmosphere & Setting
The statue occupies a breezy nexus at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Mall, an open, pedestrian-friendly zone framed by glass storefronts and downtown bustle. While today’s Dayton’s store has given way to modern development, the spot still pulses with the same energy captured in the show’s opening credits. Reinstalling the statue after a brief hiatus during construction in 2015–17 only deepened public affection, prompting city leaders to ensure it remained accessible throughout renovations.
Other Considerations
So is it easy to find?
Absolutely. Situated at a busy downtown corner, it’s just a short walk from the Nicollet Mall Metro station. Its fame makes it one of Minneapolis’s most photographed landmarks.
Any seasons better than others?
It’s suited for year-round visits. Even snowy winters gain a playful edge when hat-toss believers pause here in scarves and mittens.
Can you make a day of it?
You can. Nearby are famed filming sites from the original series—including the IDS Crystal Court and Kenwood house—and plenty of downtown charm to explore.
Will you want to return?
Probably. The statue feels like a moment frozen in time, yet it invites repeat visits—each person brings a little part of Mary with them when they toss an imaginary hat into the air.
Mary Tyler Moore Statue
📍 Nicollet Mall & 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Website: https://www.minneapolis.org/honoring-mary-tyler-moore/
