Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin

The Nature and Culture Museum of Wisconsin is rapidly taking shape as one of the most exciting cultural and educational investments underway in the state. Designed to bring science, culture, and community together in new and inspiring ways, the 200,000 square foot facility is rising on a prominent site in downtown Milwaukee. Its striking architectural form, inspired by the sandstone bluffs of Mill Bluff State Park, is already visible and is beginning to showcase the bold vision behind the project.

As construction progresses, Mortenson is working closely with Kahler Slater and Ennead Architects to bring the museum’s complex geometry and diverse program spaces to life. The building will eventually house exhibit galleries, collection storage, research laboratories, classrooms, offices, event spaces, a planetarium, a butterfly vivarium, a café, a rooftop terrace, and an attached parking structure. Every space is being constructed to support the museum’s mission to spark curiosity, advance research, strengthen cultural understanding, and create exceptional learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

The team is actively using Virtual Design and Construction tools to coordinate intricate MEP systems, plan around the uniquely shaped volumes of the building, and ensure that each phase is delivered efficiently and safely. This digital planning is critical as the project moves through major structural milestones and prepares for the installation of specialized systems that will support collections, laboratories, and immersive exhibit environments.

Throughout construction, Mortenson is committed to minimizing impacts on the surrounding neighborhood and maintaining safe access near busy downtown corridors. Careful sequencing and early coordination are helping the team manage logistics while keeping the project on schedule for its 2027 opening.

The museum leadership and project team have also prioritized community impact during construction. The project continues to create opportunities for local residents, apprentices, and emerging craft professionals, and the site has become a meaningful example of workforce development in action. These efforts reflect the museum’s broader commitment to education and access and mirror the purpose of the facility itself.

As progress continues, the Nature and Culture Museum of Wisconsin is steadily becoming a new civic landmark. Each construction milestone brings the community one step closer to a world class destination that will inspire learning, celebrate cultural diversity, and deepen connections to the natural world.