GRAEF-USA Inc.

Milwaukee Art Museum Addition

GRAEF was retained to provide engineering design of a world-class art museum addition. The Milwaukee Art Museum began construction in late 1997. The world-class facility was opened in stages in 2001, including a gala grand opening of the spectacular Burke Brise Soleil in October of 2001.

GRAEF was the structural engineer of record, and site/civil engineer for the project, as well as associate landscape architect with Dan Kiley. GRAEF also performed initial environmental studies of the site, and worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to obtain permits in this unique, lakebed site.

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s expansion project is an important anchor of the City of Milwaukee’s current cultural renaissance. Milwaukee is experiencing expanded arts institution audiences, increasing the demand for high-caliber cultural programming and significantly enhanced charitable giving. A renewed urban spirit has emerged in the city, fueling a nearly $2 billion building boom that has created a broad range of civic projects. The Milwaukee Art Museum expansion responds to institutional growth and furthers the Museum’s longstanding commitment to collections building and providing visitors with opportunities to experience and learn about important works of art. The new facility will provide the City of Milwaukee with a striking landmark and will enhance the Museum’s role as the cultural cornerstone for the Milwaukee community.

The expansion provides the museum with 30 percent more space for art in both the new and existing buildings including the new 12,000 square-foot traveling exhibition galleries. In total, the Milwaukee Art Museum has added 140,000 square feet to its previously 160,000 square feet.

The building is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture, and has received world - wide acclaim. It was named Time Magazine Number One Design of 2001. GRAEF was proud to have a critical role in realizing the vision of the Milwaukee Art Museum and its architect, Santiago Calatrava, in providing this masterpiece for Milwaukee.
Close More...

LOCATION Milwaukee, WI

TESTIMONIALS “You did an exceptional job on the Milwaukee Art Museum expansion and we are thrilled that you have been recognized with such high honors. Thank you for your dedicated work on our building project and your commitment to building a landmark for the City." Donald Baumgartner, Past President, Board of Trustees Milwaukee Art Museum