Milwaukee Art Museum--Quadracci Pavilion and
Burke Brise-Soleil
Burke Brise-Soleil
On May 4, 2001, the Milwaukee Art Museum opened its spectacular Quadracci Pavilion. The building was the first in
America to be designed by Spanish-born architect Santiago Calatrava. It has since become one of his best-known and
most recognizable buildings, mainly in part due to the Burke Brise-Soleil---the large white wings that top the building.
The "wings" are actually composed of many metal fins which are moved with hydraulic rams. At the widest point, the
wings spread wider than those of a 747. The addition has not just become a symbol of the museum,
but of Milwaukee as a whole.
America to be designed by Spanish-born architect Santiago Calatrava. It has since become one of his best-known and
most recognizable buildings, mainly in part due to the Burke Brise-Soleil---the large white wings that top the building.
The "wings" are actually composed of many metal fins which are moved with hydraulic rams. At the widest point, the
wings spread wider than those of a 747. The addition has not just become a symbol of the museum,
but of Milwaukee as a whole.
[some info from MAM's pages on the building]
Please be sure to check out Jim Brozek's page, which documents the construction of the pavilion.
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Dates taken: June 18, 2005, November 25, 2005
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Last updates: 11/26, 12/28/05
Most of these exterior photos were taken during the Lakefront Festival of Arts, and therefore,
their white tents are in most of the shots. New photos will be posted when I take them.
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Last updates: 11/26, 12/28/05
Most of these exterior photos were taken during the Lakefront Festival of Arts, and therefore,
their white tents are in most of the shots. New photos will be posted when I take them.
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Seen from east end of Wisconsin Ave.
The east "prow" of the pavilion. The woman and stroller in the foreground, as well as the people in the pavilion,
should provide a reference to this building's size. This part of the building can be thought of as Calatrava's
tribute to original museum architect Eero Saarinen, and his TWA Terminal in New York.
should provide a reference to this building's size. This part of the building can be thought of as Calatrava's
tribute to original museum architect Eero Saarinen, and his TWA Terminal in New York.
The Reiman Foundation Bridge connects the museum to O'Donnell Park, and provides a safe way to walk
across from downtown. The basic design of the bridge was first used by Calatrava in the Alamillo Bridge
in Seville, Spain.
across from downtown. The basic design of the bridge was first used by Calatrava in the Alamillo Bridge
in Seville, Spain.
Close-up of the fountain, as seen in the preceding photo
Sculptures found, respectively, on the east side by the walkway, and at the end of Wisconsin Ave.
Top: Argo, Alexander Liberman [1974]
Bottom: The Calling, Mark di Suvero [1982]
Top: Argo, Alexander Liberman [1974]
Bottom: The Calling, Mark di Suvero [1982]
The original War Memorial building designed by Eero Saarinen. The museum's main gallery area is below the
building, as well as to the right of the photo. The large "slab" building to the right was designed by Milwaukee
architect David Kahler.
building, as well as to the right of the photo. The large "slab" building to the right was designed by Milwaukee
architect David Kahler.
2005 Ian Bartlett.
All Rights Reserved.