The Milwaukee Public Museum on Monday unveiled the first renderings for its new location near the downtown Deer District.
The five-story, 200,000-square-foot design is "heavily influenced by the ecological histories of Milwaukee and Wisconsin," according to a release, with the exterior mimicking the geological formations in Mill Bluff State Park and the campus footprint inspired by Milwaukee's three rivers: the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee.
“For generations, the Milwaukee Public Museum has inspired curiosity and understanding among its visitors," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. "This new home offers a different inspiration — an architecturally inspiring appearance that is a wonderful addition to the Haymarket and Hillside neighborhoods. New investments and developments are extending into areas surrounding downtown, and the Milwaukee Public Museum is a big part of that.”
Milwaukee-based Kahler Slater and New York-based Ennead Architects are partners on the design, while Mortenson and ALLCON will handle construction.
The release said $110 million of the $240 million funding has been raised, including $40 million from the State of Wisconsin, $45 million from Milwaukee County and $25 million in private donations.
Plans for groundbreaking at the corner of 6th and Vliet streets are on track for late 2023, with opening planned for 2026. The museum's current location will remain open until the new space is finished.
Check out more renderings below.
