At KLIK USA, we’re always excited about new construction. What really lights us up is when we can be a hometown partner in new construction, especially when the project impacts an entire community.
We are proud to be a part of an expansion at Discovery World, an educational science and technology museum in Milwaukee. The center recently completed an $18 million construction/renovation, the first major renovation since opening in its current building along Milwaukee’s lakefront in 2006. The expansion added 20,000 square feet of exhibit and event space, allowing the museum to serve a larger number of visitors and offer additional educational programming for children. “Working with our community partners, we have formulated a vision for an exciting and transformational project that will help shape our organization’s future for the next 20 years, and allow us to have a more significant impact on kids in our community,” said Joel Brennan, Discovery World’s CEO, when the proposal to expand was announced.
The highlight of the project is a new 10,000 square foot multi-purpose pavilion built on a space that formerly housed a seasonal tent available for special events. With an expansive view of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline, the stunning glass-walled Pavilion is now available year-round for weddings and other private events, an important revenue source for the non-profit museum. KLIK LEDpod™ 40 lighting can be found throughout the handrails leading to the Pavilion and around an outdoor courtyard. In addition to event space, the Pavilion serves as “the nicest student lunchroom in the state of Wisconsin,“ according to CEO Brennan. “It’ll be used every day for a couple hundred kids. We can (also) put up a stage to do performances and presentations.”
This important addition, along with other renovated space in the existing museum building, will provide Discovery World with added resources to “offer programs to children who don’t receive enough science and math classroom instruction,” says Brennan. Expanding the available educational space and programming strengthens Discovery World’s impact on the community and ensures that the museum will continue in the important work of inspiring young people, lighting the way towards bright futures in STEM careers. We are happy KLIK products can play a part in helping spark discovery right in our hometown.
Photography by Mike Miller, Mike Miller Images
Project: Discovery World Museum: Addition & Renovation
Lighting Design: Karen Oranger, IBC Engineering
Architecture Firm: Eppstein Uhen Architects
Product: KLIK LEDpod™ 40
