Wisconsin History Center

The Wisconsin Historical Society maintains one of the world’s largest archival collections of books and documents dedicated to North American history, second only to the Library of Congress, with emphasis on the history and cultures of what is now the state of Wisconsin. In addition to its headquarters, library and archives on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the Society has operated a public museum on the Capitol Square since 1986. Yet the retrofitted retail space was never adequate for exhibits and could only accommodate a limited number of visitors. In 2022, the state approved funding for a new facility that would more than double the museum’s exhibit space and its expected visitation.

The new Wisconsin History Center projects the clear message that this is a place about and for the people. A transparent and welcoming exterior draws visitors in; inviting public areas on the non-ticketed first and second floors underscore its role as a community living room. The project design was process-driven, working closely with the Wisconsin Historical Society to ensure the center achieves its mission and reflects the extensive engagement with Indigenous Sovereign Nations as well as communities, cultures and organizations throughout the state.

The design captures that energy with a street-level treatment that is multi-directional, engaging with both the Mifflin Plaza gathering area and the always-popular Capitol Square. Two geometric volumes make up the building massing, the lower in alignment with the urban grid activating the Square and adjacent plaza, and the upper intentionally rotating away from it. This offset positioning of the upper volume creates a multitude of views and outdoor terraces and symbolizes that the history center represents—and connects to—the entirety of the state.

Inside, a grand feature stair provides informal gathering space and encourages exploration deeper into the museum, leading first to a mezzanine-level café, a community gallery of rotating exhibits and a changing gallery large enough to host the nation’s most sought-after traveling exhibits. Permanent exhibits occupy much of the third and fourth floors, along with a multi-purpose room for school groups and other community use. The top floor is dedicated to more formal public event space, with outdoor terraces that overlook the Capitol and Madison’s iconic lakes. Elevated and vertical plantings along with water features simulate the surroundings and provide intimate outdoor rooms.

Weathered zinc and stainless steel compose the exterior cladding to speak to Wisconsin’s mining and manufacturing legacy; detail is introduced within the volume with repeating geometric patterns symbolizing the crafts of Native American, African American and European immigrant artisans. On the interior, Wisconsin craft is further celebrated in the curation of materials, such as wood sustainably harvested by the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin and finishes evoking the products of the state’s renowned building materials companies.

The SmithGroup team are working closely with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Continuum Architects + Planners and Ralph Appelbaum Associates to ensure the building and exhibits tell a cohesive story of both regional and national significance. Touchpoints throughout the Wisconsin History Center share the stories, past and present, of the region’s many cultures, embodying the client’s commitment to inclusion, representation and meaningful engagement.