Envisioned to serve as an open door to one of the most significant historical collections in the nation, the Wisconsin History Center will more than double the exhibition space of the state's previous historical museum when it's completed in 2027. The overall design and construction budget is approximately $161 million.
"This is a historic project for Wisconsin," said Christian Overland, who serves as Ruth and Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. "We are building more than just a museum. We are creating a place where all Wisconsinites can see themselves in history, and where connections between the past, present and future will enrich the lives of each guest."
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Described as a dynamic cultural hub, the new 100,000 sq.-ft. building replaces the Wisconsin Historical Museum, which was located in the space of a former hardware store at 30 North Carroll St. on Madison's Capitol Square. The museum was long unable to adequately provide access to the state's collections or meet the growing demand from school groups and residents.
Offering a world-class collection of 290 million items, the Wisconsin History Center is expected to welcome 200,000 visitors each year, and as many as 60,000 students. It will house three core galleries, a rotating community gallery sharing local history from across the state and a changing temporary gallery large enough to bring in national-caliber traveling exhibits. The Society will offer robust public programming throughout communal spaces, while extending the center's resources across the state and beyond through advanced technology.
The new structure will include a café, retail storefront, sensory room, classroom, lunchroom and a fifth-floor event space and adjoining rooftop terrace designed to host a variety of public and private gatherings.
Overland noted that reaction to the new museum has been extremely positive.
"We have been humbled and inspired by the incredible public, private and community support for the project. It has been 20 years in the making, and we cannot wait to deliver the nation's next great history destination to the people of Wisconsin and beyond.
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"The groundbreaking was terrific. It was a real awestruck moment for the many people who have contributed to the project and believe in our vision. More than 200 elected leaders, tribal partners, private donors and community champions gathered on Wisconsin's Capitol Square to celebrate the milestone moment."
Madison-based Findorff is overseeing building construction. The creative team features Wisconsin-based Continuum Architects in association with SmithGroup, as the lead designer. Ralph Appelbaum Associates, whose exhibition work includes cultural attractions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and London's Imperial War Museum, is designing the exhibits.
"The Wisconsin Historical Society is stewarding the future history center under the guidance and expertise of some of the nation's leading experience designers, curators, scholars and historians, infusing insights from a wide range of community voices and perspectives, and in consultation with Native Nations," said Overland.
Monteil Crawley, principal of SmithGroup and lead architectural designer of the center, said the team didn't have to search far for inspiration.
"The center is wrapped in a layered façade that provides movement and depth to the building's exterior that, much like history, reveals new perspectives as your vantage point changes. Local materials, including weathered zinc, embossed stainless steel, granite and glass create a dynamic exterior inspired by Wisconsin's ever-changing landscapes, the movement of the surrounding lakes and the state's rich history of industry and innovation."
According to Findorff project manager Scott Goelden, one of the project's main challenges is site logistics.
"Given the downtown location, deliveries will need to be just in time. Also, work will need to be sequenced in a way to minimize overlap between enclosure activities by multiple trades."
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The current phase of construction began in April 2025. Goelden said the work is progressing smoothly and remains on schedule.
"Mass excavation is nearing completion, with earth retention activities following closely. Excavation for foundations is under way."
The excavation has proceeded efficiently, due to favorable soil conditions that are both easily diggable and well-draining. The process has required careful coordination due to constraints posed by adjacent buildings and the complex geometry of the excavation site.
For the tower crane installation, a dedicated power source was required, along with a substantial footing and a 400-ton all-terrain crane. It was put in place last summer, around the same time that concrete work began.
"Lean concrete must be placed beneath all footings to ensure proper bearing and provide a clean surface for waterproofing," said Goelden. "Multiple formwork systems will be used depending on the application, including footings, foundation walls and vertical concrete shafts."
In addition to ongoing mass excavation and earth retention, key early work has involved removal of existing building foundations, utility location and coordination for the earth retention system, underpinning of the adjacent building and establishment of temporary electrical service. Demolition was performed by Terra Engineering and Construction Corporation under a contract with Pepper Construction.
Major project milestones include structural completion in early 2026; achieving a weather-tight building envelope consisting of roofing, vapor applied to exterior walls and glazing in the third quarter of 2026; and substantial completion by May 2027.
Approximately 12,000 cu. yds. of material will be removed during construction, with workers keeping tabs on the forecast.
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"Construction in the Midwest is designed to withstand a range of weather conditions," said Goelden. "While rain, high winds, snow and freezing temperatures can impact specific tasks, crews are equipped to adapt. As the building takes shape, enclosed areas will allow work to continue with minimal disruption."
Heavy equipment being used on the job includes excavators; a skid loader; a John Deere 290 with a Pro Dig auger; a TEI drill; an ABI machine with vibratory pile driving attachment; a tower crane; rough-terrain and all-terrain cranes; telehandlers; and Hydro Mobile scaffolding.
The building structure is composed of structural steel with composite decks. The primary enclosure features CMU with some cold-formed metal framing and sheathing. The building façade consists of a mix of metal panels, curtainwall, precast elements and stone.
For Goelden, the project represents more than just a physical structure.
"It's a symbol of civic pride and cultural legacy. Designed to serve generations of visitors, it will stand as a welcoming and inspiring space that reflects the values and history of the state of Wisconsin. We're honored to contribute to a development that will enrich the community and leave a lasting impact." CEG
