For more than 60 years, the Mitchell Park Domes have been a treasured homegrown destination. As the Milwaukee Domes Alliance (formerly Friends of the Domes) begins the work to bring the Domes Reimagined Plan to fruition–which includes restoration of the Show Dome, creating an interactive children’s garden, expansion of the gift shop, and construction of a new café–we wanted to take a look at the historic impact of the Domes, take stock of our current moment, and refocus our lens on the bright future ahead.

Where We’ve Been

The Mitchell Park Domes opened in 1965 with a goal to “provide the ultimate experience of nature in the city.” The Show Dome received a dedication by Lady Bird Johnson, and the other two domes were completed in the following five years.

The Domes quickly became a beloved Milwaukee institution, and in December 1989, Friends of the Domes was created to ensure a future for the Domes, setting the stage for the work we’re doing today.

Where We Are

The love for the Domes is greater than ever, but decades of deferred maintenance created a pressing need for a sustainable investment plan. In 2019, we began working behind the scenes to build the processes and infrastructure necessary for Milwaukee Domes Alliance to be a key driver in ensuring the Domes remain a Milwaukee institution.

After much planning, collaboration and research, we completed the Domes Reimagined Plan, and in November 2024, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support the Domes Reimagined Project–pledging $30 million over six years toward a $140 million public-private partnership and bringing in a huge win for the Domes and the city.

Our momentum is only growing. In March 2025, Friends of the Domes rebranded to become Milwaukee Domes Alliance–complete with a new look to match our new, future-looking vision for the Domes. We also submitted the first part of the Historic Tax Credit application, taking an important step toward securing a significant portion of funding for Phase 1.

Then, in July 2025, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors once again affirmed their commitment by voting 15 to 2 in support of the Domes Reimagined plan. This vote included the first installment of $5 million through the County’s 2026 budget. The bill now goes to the County Executive for his approval. (Voice your support by emailing County Executive David Crowley at David.Crowley@milwaukeecountywi.gov)

Where We’re Going

We have a big, exciting vision for the future of the Domes that improves visitor experience while preserving its unique character. Here’s a preview of what’s to come:

2025 – 2032

  • Continued collaboration between the Milwaukee Domes Alliance and Milwaukee County to structure our partnership and continued fundraising efforts, which include Part 2 of the application for Historic Tax Credits, a public phase of our capital campaign, and securing State and Federal grants to support the work ahead.
  • Phase 1A construction, which includes the Show Dome, children’s garden, expanded gift shop, café, and back-of-house spaces.
  • Phase 1B construction, which includes the Desert Dome, Education Center, hallway and new bathrooms, and landscaping.
  • Phase 1C construction, which includes Tropical Dome, new entryway, and other improvements in Mitchell Park.

Phase 2 construction will begin after Phase 1, and will include the development of the Nature Learning Center and a beautiful new outdoor garden in Mitchell Park.

Each new step of the process brings about a renewed energy to preserve and nurture the Domes for generations to come. As we hit key milestones and move into the public phase of the campaign, we’ll be inviting the broader community to join in with their support. Expect engaging materials, ways to give and opportunities to share your personal connections to this special place.

To be the first to know about future updates, be sure to sign up here.

If you are interested in getting more involved–as a donor, volunteer, or advocate–please reach out to us here.

For the love of nature,
Christa Beall Diefenbach
CEO, Milwaukee Domes Alliance