Star Tribune photo by Dave Denney

Mill City Museum in downtown Minneapolis will host "The Bridge," a six month show of photos by Minneapolis artist Vance Gellert of survivors, first responders and others affected by the I35W bridge collapse in 2007. The show opens on August 1, the fifth anniversary of the disaster in which 13 people died when the bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River during the evening rush hour. The free exhibit runs through December in the museum's lobby.

Two years in the making, "The Bridge" features 50 photos with accompanying interviews and text about the incident and its aftermath. As part of the opening reception, The Playwrights' Center has commissioned artists to write and stage a 10 minute play. Nautilus Music Theater has commissioned original music, and Rain Taxi Review of Books is sponsoring the performance of seven new poems. In all, 22 artists and a 16 piece chorus will perform during the opening reception at Mill City, 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls. from 5:45 to 7 p.m., August 1. The event is free, but reservations are required.

Warning: Because so many survivors and officials are expected, public tickets to the opening events were sold-out by July 20. Nevertheless, names were still being added to a waiting list as of Monday, July 23. Officially, the deadline to reserve free tickets is Wednesday, July 25. To reserve a ticket call 612-673-2032 or send an email request to: bridge.agathering@gmail.com.