How did Minnesota become home to the world's first shopping mall?

About this episode

The episode explores the history and impact of Southdale, the world's first fully enclosed shopping mall, which opened in 1956 in Edina, Minnesota.

Southdale in Edina became the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the world when it opened in 1956. Its architect had a vision to thwart the cold and create an indoor town square where it was always 75 degrees. Southdale spawned thousands of suburban shopping malls across the country, shaping an era of American life. Host Erica Pearson makes a visit.

People in this episode

Host: Erica Pearson

Topics covered

• shopping malls
• architecture
• history
• American culture

Keywords

• Southdale
• Edina
• shopping mall history
• indoor town square

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Minnesota, Edina

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