The Guthrie has been part of the Twin Cities cultural DNA since 1963, and an architectural destination on its own since its new theater complex was completed in 2006. Its remarkable setting along the Mississippi River is part of an ambitious design by French architect Jean Nouvel, which includes a trio of notable performance spaces (a thrust stage, a proscenium stage, and a black box studio for more intimate productions). Before taking in one of the shows, visitors should take a walk along the 178-ft. cantilevered "Endless Bridge," which is open during normal building hours for arresting daytime views of the river. Performances here run year round (with the usual Monday night off), recently seeing creative stagings of "The Three Musketeers," "Uncle Vanya," and "My Fair Lady." The "Live at the Guthrie" series offers up a range of musical guests and other compelling events like "How'd They Do That?" workshops, which answer questions like "What was the inspiration for the set? and "Aren't those wigs itchy?" Casual visitors may wish to sign up for a backstage tour ($12, Friday and Saturday mornings at 10am) to learn about how sets are made, the costume-designing process, and much more.