Visual Traveler: Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee

                     Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

What's in This Post
1) 70+ Years of Botanical Beauty
2) Mitchell Park Domes Renovations
3) Mitchell Park Domes Slideshow

70+ Years of Botanical Beauty

In 1955 a Milwaukee design competition attracted 33 architects from across the globe. Traditionally trained local architect, Donald Grieb, won the competition with his design for the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory. Encompassing 15,000 square feet, overall, it featured three beehive-shaped glass domes with a connecting lobby. 

The structures' quarter-inch thick wire-embedded glass walls would allow more than 85% of available light to reach the plants, despite Milwaukee's wintery weather. The Floral Show Dome emerged in 1964, the Tropical Dome arrived in 1966, and the Desert Dome opened the following year. 

Mitchell Park Domes Renovations
 
During the summer of 2008, improvements included remodeling the lobby, restrooms, gift shop, education center, director’s office and front desk. And a $500,000 donation funded installation of new exterior and interior lighting.

The following November, Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes welcomed visitors during a grand reopening celebration (with special guest architect, Donald Grieb). Through the next six years green initiatives included adding seven state-of-the-art greenhouse structures behind the Domes.

A trip through Mitchell Park Domes provides welcome relief from Milwaukee's cold-weather season. But no matter what time of year you visit, you'll fine plenty of natural beauty to admire and enjoy.

                                   Above photos by Lisa Waterman Gray

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.