The Milwaukee Art Museum is home to some of the most unique architecture in the city. Its wings, designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, are a key part of its appeal. The wings stand out from the rest of the museum and have become a symbol of progress and innovation in Milwaukee.
The wings are made up of two large, white structures that open and close like a pair of giant arms. The wings are made from hundreds of steel struts and panels that are connected with tension rods.
Each wing is held in place by an array of pulleys, cables, and counterweights that allow them to open and close slowly. The opening and closing process takes about four minutes.
When the wings are open, they reveal a breathtaking view of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. It’s an impressive sight to behold as the sun shines through their steel frames while they slowly move in unison. This is one of the most iconic images associated with Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Art Museum has been known for its innovative design since it opened in 2001. Its signature wings are truly a marvel to behold, both for their engineering complexity as well as for their aesthetic beauty. They serve as an example of how modern architecture can bring beauty and function together.
Conclusion:
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s iconic wings open and close slowly using hundreds of steel struts, pulleys, cables, and counterweights. When they’re fully opened, they reveal a stunning view of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan that perfectly showcases why this museum has become such an integral part of the city’s identity.