Since their inception in 1882, the Milwaukee Public Museum has been mission-led: inspiring curiosity, exciting minds, and increasing desire to preserve and protect our world’s natural and cultural diversity. Needing significant repair and investment, the Museum determined their current home threatened their financial stability, the safety of more than 4 million objects and artifacts in their collections, and their ability to retain accreditation. MPM determined a new location and facility was required to secure the Museum’s future which is providing them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to create the active museum our community and world need now.

The design team of Kahler Slater, Ennead Architects, and Thinc Design are partnered to create an engaging state-wide asset that explores the interconnectedness of nature and culture, telling stories of how humans have been shaped by the natural world, and how our cultures have, in turn, shaped the world around us. The new location is adjacent to other entertainment, dining, and retail assets in the Deer District, and will provide abundant access to visitors from near and far via freeway and bus routes. Community engagement, inclusive design, and sustainability are significant factors in the development of the design.

Heavily influenced by the ecologies of Milwaukee and Wisconsin, the structure of the new museum will be reminiscent of the geological formations of Mill Bluff State Park and an homage to the area’s history, ecological diversity, and resilience. Inspiration was also pulled from Milwaukee, namely the three rivers—the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee—that converge in the city.

Groundbreaking for the building is planned for late 2023, with the new Museum due to open in 2026.