The Wisconsin Historical Society is excited to share a preliminary architectural rendering of Wisconsin’s new history center as design on the project accelerates. Designed to be a welcoming beacon of inspiration and exploration, the new center set on Wisconsin’s Capitol Square in Madison will reflect a modern approach to sharing history.

“As the Wisconsin Historical Society’s new front door, the history center will be a hub of engagement and reflection, a place that draws people in and invites them to delve into the stories behind the state’s history and culture in ways that have never before been offered,” said Christian Øverland, the Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “This is a building that sets the stage for activity, exploration and shared connection. When you walk out of this space, we hope you are inspired and look at the world differently.”

Stewarded by the Wisconsin Historical Society in partnership with a world-class architectural and design team of Continuum Architects + Planners in association with SmithGroup and Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the five-story building with stacked terraces will offer unforgettable views in all directions and more than double the exhibition space of the former Wisconsin Historical Museum.

The rotated building form looks beyond Madison to physically and symbolically connect with all of Wisconsin—an extension of a museum experience that will center the voices of communities across the state and widen what is known about Wisconsin and North American history. The dynamic facade gives the building depth and movement, revealing new perspectives as your vantage point changes. The building’s materials, while not finalized, will be a celebration of local materials, drawing from Wisconsin’s rich history of craftsmanship, industry and innovation.

“This faceted and layered facade symbolizes that history is complex, dimensional and told from multiple perspectives,” said Monteil Crawley, principal at SmithGroup and lead designer for the history center. “The architectural design is bold and dynamic yet very intentionally welcoming and comfortable for all guests. It will be an engaging and enlivening place for the community to gather and a landmark destination for visitors.”

SmithGroup’s cultural practice features an extensive portfolio of award-winning architectural projects within Wisconsin and around the globe, including the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., where it worked in successful collaboration with exhibition designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates.

“We’re energized by the progress and the purpose behind the architectural design, and appreciative of the incredible public and private support for this project,” said Wes Mosman Block, deputy director and chief operating officer of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “A full interior and exterior design reveal is coming this summer and, in the meantime, we look forward to sharing more about the project, answering questions and hearing public perspectives at our upcoming virtual discussion series.”

The public is invited to learn more by attending “History Happens Here: Discussing Wisconsin’s New History Center,” a three-part series of virtual conversations, the first of which will be held at 6 p.m. on April 12. Society leadership will share project updates and answer questions at the event.

As support for the new history center project grows across Wisconsin and beyond, more people are signing up to receive this Milestones newsletter, which provides the latest updates about the project. If you’re new to this newsletter and unfamiliar with the basics of this exciting new project, we encourage you to explore the history center’s web page at wisconsinhistory.org/historycenter.

If you’re excited about the new history center project and would like to discuss making a financial gift, please contact Julie Lussier, Kristin Borst or Joe Kollar of the Wisconsin Historical Foundation.