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What to know about the state park that inspired the new home of Milwaukee Public Museum

How a Wisconsin State Park Shaped the Vision for Milwaukee's New Public Museum

MILWAUKEE — In the heart of Wisconsin's natural wonders lies Devil's Lake State Park, a sprawling expanse of ancient quartzite bluffs, serene waters, and diverse ecosystems that have captivated visitors for generations. Now, this iconic state park is serving as more than just a recreational gem—it's the muse behind the innovative design of the new Milwaukee Public Museum, set to redefine how the city engages with history, science, and culture.

The project, which broke ground in late 2023 and is slated for a grand opening in 2027, represents a bold departure from traditional museum architecture. Instead of the stark, institutional halls of the current museum on Wells Street, the new facility at the corner of North 6th Street and West McKinley Avenue draws direct inspiration from Devil's Lake's rugged terrain and ecological harmony. Architects from the renowned firm Studio Gang, in collaboration with local designers and museum curators, have woven elements of the park's landscape into every aspect of the building's blueprint, creating a space that blurs the lines between indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration.

At the core of this inspiration is a desire to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the natural world, much like the immersive experience of hiking Devil's Lake's trails. "We wanted the museum to feel alive, like stepping into a living ecosystem," said Ellen Censky, president and CEO of the Milwaukee Public Museum. In an exclusive interview, Censky explained how a team field trip to Devil's Lake in early 2022 sparked the creative process. "Standing on those bluffs, surrounded by the ancient rock formations and the interplay of light on the water, we realized this was the perfect metaphor for what a modern museum should be—timeless, dynamic, and deeply rooted in Wisconsin's heritage."

Devil's Lake State Park, located about 40 miles northwest of Madison in Sauk County, is one of Wisconsin's most visited natural attractions, drawing over 3 million visitors annually. Formed over 1.6 billion years ago during the Precambrian era, its dramatic quartzite cliffs rise 500 feet above the lake, creating a stunning backdrop of purple-hued rock against lush forests and glacial-carved valleys. The park's biodiversity is equally impressive, hosting everything from rare ferns and wildflowers to bald eagles and timber wolves. It's this blend of geological history, ecological diversity, and human interaction that resonated with the museum's design team.

Translating these elements into architecture involved meticulous planning. The new museum's exterior, for instance, features undulating facades that mimic the park's layered bluffs. Constructed with sustainable materials like locally sourced stone and recycled metals, the building's curves evoke the wind-sculpted rocks of Devil's Lake, while large glass panels allow natural light to flood the interior, simulating the dappled sunlight filtering through the park's canopy. "We're not just building walls; we're crafting an environment that tells a story," noted Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang. Gang, whose firm is known for projects like the Aqua Tower in Chicago, emphasized the importance of biophilic design—incorporating natural patterns to enhance human well-being.

Inside, the inspiration becomes even more immersive. The museum's layout abandons linear corridors in favor of meandering pathways that wind through exhibits like trails in the park. Visitors might start in a "glacial valley" atrium, complete with a recreated ice age landscape featuring mammoth skeletons and interactive displays on Wisconsin's prehistoric past. From there, paths branch off into themed zones: a "bluff ecosystem" gallery showcasing Native American history and artifacts, drawing parallels to the Ho-Chunk Nation's ancestral ties to Devil's Lake; a "lake habitat" area with aquatic exhibits that highlight water conservation, inspired by the park's pristine waters; and elevated walkways that offer panoramic views, much like the park's East Bluff Trail.

Sustainability is a key pillar of the design, reflecting Devil's Lake's role as a protected natural area. The new museum aims for LEED Platinum certification, incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs planted with native Wisconsin flora. "Devil's Lake has endured for eons because of its resilience," said Joe Khirallah, the project's lead architect from Thinc Design, a firm specializing in experiential spaces. "We're embedding that resilience into the museum—using geothermal energy to heat and cool the building, just as the park's microclimates regulate temperature naturally."

The choice of Devil's Lake as inspiration isn't arbitrary. Wisconsin's state parks system, established in 1900, has long been a source of pride and education for residents. Devil's Lake, in particular, holds cultural significance. It was a sacred site for indigenous peoples, including the Ho-Chunk, who called it "Tewakącąk" or "Sacred Lake." European settlers later transformed it into a tourist destination in the late 19th century, with railroads bringing crowds to marvel at its beauty. This layered history mirrors the museum's mission to preserve and interpret Wisconsin's multifaceted story—from its geological origins to its cultural evolution.

Museum officials see this design as a way to address modern challenges in public engagement. With attendance at cultural institutions declining nationwide, the new space aims to attract a broader audience by making visits feel like adventures. "People don't just want to look at artifacts behind glass; they want to feel part of the narrative," Censky said. Interactive elements, such as augmented reality apps that overlay Devil's Lake's geology onto museum displays, will enhance this immersion. For families, there are plans for outdoor learning gardens modeled after the park's picnic areas, complete with native plantings and educational signage.

The project's roots trace back to the museum's need for a new home. The current building, opened in 1963, has faced structural issues, including leaks and outdated infrastructure, prompting a $150 million capital campaign for relocation. Fundraising has been robust, with major donations from local philanthropists and corporations like Harley-Davidson and Northwestern Mutual. The state of Wisconsin contributed $45 million, recognizing the museum's role in education and tourism.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the ambitious design's cost and feasibility. Some argue that mimicking a state park could dilute the museum's focus on global collections, which include over 4 million artifacts ranging from Egyptian mummies to dinosaur fossils. "It's innovative, but we must ensure it doesn't overshadow the science," noted local historian John Gurda. Museum leaders counter that the inspiration enhances rather than detracts, creating thematic unity. For example, a planned exhibit on climate change will use Devil's Lake as a case study, showing how glacial retreat shaped the region and what lessons it holds for today.

Community involvement has been integral. Public input sessions revealed a strong desire for spaces that connect urban Milwaukeeans with rural Wisconsin's natural heritage. "Devil's Lake is a place where city kids can discover the outdoors," said Sarah Oberlin, a park ranger with over 20 years at the site. "Bringing that essence to the museum bridges those worlds."

As construction progresses, excitement builds. Renderings show a building that rises like the park's bluffs, with a central "lake" feature—a reflective pool symbolizing unity. When it opens, the museum expects to welcome 500,000 visitors annually, a 25% increase from current figures.

In an era of digital distractions, this park-inspired design offers a refreshing antidote: a reminder that learning can be as invigorating as a hike through Wisconsin's wilds. By channeling Devil's Lake's spirit, the new Milwaukee Public Museum isn't just preserving the past—it's inviting the future to explore it in entirely new ways.

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Read the Full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article at:
[ https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/07/29/how-a-state-park-inspired-the-design-of-new-milwaukee-public-museum/85206335007/ ]