Milwaukee Art Museum opens new building

New addition stands next to famed Calatrava structure, Lake Michigan

MILWAUKEE— The Milwaukee Art Museum, known for its winged-like sunscreen that opens and closes over Lake Michigan, is expanding.

The new building, designed by local architect James Shields, stands next to the winged structure by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

The $34-million project provides 30,000 more square feet for art and renovates two buildings, including the War Memorial Center designed by modernist architect Eero Saarinen, whose works include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Museum Director Dan Keegan says the new building was designed to be “in harmony with” the Saarinen — both having cantilevered elements. He says they act as a counterpoint the Calatrava addition.

The new space includes the Herzfeld Center for Photography and Media Arts dedicated to light-based media, including photography, film, video installation and media art.