Wisconsin Historical Society Preps Construction Site for Wisconsin History Center

New cultural attraction is coming to Capitol Square in 2027

MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Historical Society is preparing the construction site on the Wisconsin State Capitol building square in Madison as the Wisconsin History Center project reaches a new milestone. Construction site fencing is being installed this week so that abatement can proceed, and demolition is scheduled to begin later this month. Groundbreaking for the construction of the new five-story, 100,000-square-foot facility is slated to take place in early 2025. The Wisconsin History Center will be located on the site of the former state historical museum and two adjacent properties on North Carroll Street. Construction is expected to take two years, with the new museum opening to the public in 2027.  

“There has been an incredible amount of momentum on the Wisconsin History Center design and development in the last year, but we wouldn’t be at this pivotal moment without the two decades of steadfast public and private support that came before,” said Christian Øverland, the Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Seeing the fencing go up and the construction site readied is a real ‘awe struck moment’ for the many people who have contributed to the project and believe in our vision. We are honored and excited to bring the nation’s next great history museum to Wisconsin.” 

 The Wisconsin History Center is poised to be a destination attraction within Madison’s growing cultural district and an economic driver for Wisconsin’s tourism economy.  

Pepper Environmental Technologies will oversee the abatement and demolition phase. A general contractor for the construction phase will be selected this Fall by the State Department of Administration, Division of Facilities Development. The project is not expected to cause long-term street closures.  

• West Mifflin Street from North Fairchild Street north to the cul-de-sac will remain open during construction. 
• A sidewalk along West Mifflin Street will remain open to allow for pedestrian and bicycle access to and from the Capitol Square.  

The Wisconsin Historical Society is collaborating with an industry-leading architectural and exhibition design team, including Continuum Architects in association with SmithGroup and Ralph Appelbaum Associates. The history center will more than double the exhibition space of the former state historical museum and more than triple attendance. Funding for the $160.5 million project has been provided by $112.3 million in state funds and $48.2 million in private donations. The total private campaign goal for the project is $66.5 million to support the facility construction, exhibits, transitions and opening expenses, with more than $53 million secured to date.

 While the Wisconsin History Center is being built, a temporary History Maker Space located on the main level of US Bank Plaza on Capitol Square offers an interactive education space for school groups along with history center sneak peeks, a refreshed retail shop and a new lineup of public programming. The Wisconsin History Makers Tour is also traveling the state in the lead-up to the opening of the new Wisconsin History Center. The tour brings history directly to communities across the state through pop-up exhibits, artifact displays, author talks, special events and more. The History Makers Tour has partnered with more than 35 community organizations and engaged more than 50,000 people since it launched last year and continues to travel to new regions across the state every six months.   

 For the latest updates on the Wisconsin History Center, visit wisconsinhistory.org/historycenter. 

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the membership program. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.