The Domes: Reimagined
One-of-a-kind Horticultural Oasis at the Heart of Milwaukee
For 60 years, the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, lovingly known as The Domes, has been a homegrown treasure in our city. That means something different to everyone…
- Iconic piece of the Milwaukee skyline
- Mathematical marvel of mid-century architecture
- Immersive, restorative experience with nature
- Integral part of childhood and family memories
- Community resource for all to enjoy
- Stroll through six desert climates or a lush tropical paradise, no matter the season…
A History Worth Repeating
When the Mitchell Park Domes opened in 1965, it exemplified the confidence and hope of a city on the rise: a bustling urban center intertwined with the natural world. Milwaukee County’s original vision for the conservatory was to “provide for the public the ultimate in experiencing nature in the city,” and for generations it has done just that.
It is easy to take for granted that something as hopeful and historic as The Domes will always be there. But that is clearly not the case, unless we act now.
The Current Challenges
Due to decades of deferred maintenance, the beautiful Mitchell Park Domes requires investment. This includes addressing the significant maintenance challenges, but simply putting the conservatory back the way it was is not good enough. We also must make critical upgrades to turn Milwaukee’s horticultural oasis into a modern conservatory that is positioned to achieve its purpose: creating a world inspired by nature.
The Domes: Not Just a House of Flowers
Our own lived experiences, and an increasing amount of research, tell us how crucial a connection with nature is, whether to improve mental health and wellness or to inspire more people to advocate for our planet. The Domes has the singular ability to provide this for Milwaukee and our visitors — if we take action to sustain it.
A Path Forward Within Reach
Friends of the Domes oversees much of the operations at The Domes. In partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks System, we developed an exciting new path forward. Focused on two primary goals — a sustainable business model and a better visitor experience — the Domes Reimagined project will engage the resources in our community to ensure The Domes continues to be there for all of us.
The Domes: Reimagined
Our new vision for the Mitchell Park Domes:
The plan includes restoring the domes (new glazing and aluminum), a new café, a new interactive children’s garden, increased educational facilities, an expanded gift shop, enhanced events space — and, importantly, long overdue steps to reinvigorate Mitchell Park itself. In addition, the energy inefficiencies will be managed through a series of strategic investments.
This exciting vision also comes with a funding solution … necessary funds would come from private philanthropy, municipal and other public funding sources, and an investment from Milwaukee County.
Friends of the Domes is taking the lead on both the private philanthropic campaign and securing the municipal and other public funding.
Business Plan “at a Glance”
How to Help!
In answer to the question we hear daily, “What can we do to help?” we say Support The Domes:
We simply cannot do this work alone. Thank you for joining us in this journey to find a path forward for our Beloved Domes.
Frequently Asked Questions
VIDEOS
What the Community Is Saying
“The Domes are a state treasure. It’s an important educational destination for us to learn and enjoy.”
“Do not remove The Domes! This is a landmark. Historic! Iconic! #SavetheDomes”
“I got engaged there!”
“I started walking to Mitchell Park from the North Side weekly in 1972 and still do it! The Domes are historic! Please, please save The Domes!”
“Please help to preserve an iconic element of Milwaukee County.”
“¡Salvemos los Domos!”
“We need to support our Domes. It is history!”
“Many adults now remember many visits to the Domes as children and continue to return to visit with friends and grandchildren. They are a significant part of Milwaukee–past and present!”
“It’s iconic and a huge part of Milwaukee’s identity!”
“Me Encanta los Domos. Son un lugar muy especial.”
“We (my family) love the Domes. Milwaukee needs the Domes because it gives people an idea of what its like to be in a rain forest, desert, and garden. We appreciate the Domes!”
“Yo crecí visitando los Domos y ahora trabajo cercas los Domos son una parte importante del sur de Milwaukee, nuerstro hogar.”
“We love the Domes!”
“We love the Domes and are showing its wonders to our grandchildren.”
“I love you, Steve (the bearded dragon)!”
“Please keep Milwaukee on the map! Keep our Domes!”
“We will be devastated if the Domes cannot be saved.”
Tell Us Why You Love The Domes
Please send your stories, comments, photos, and video testimonials to FOD@MilwaukeeDomes.org, and we will upload them to this site.