The beehive-shaped domes in Mitchell Park, or known to Milwaukeeans as “The Domes” are an iconic Milwaukee landmark, and the best part is that they’re the only place in the city where it’s summer all year! These three climate-controlled domes are beloved by many, and they have quite the history. Let’s dive into everything under the glass.
Welcome to the Mitchell Park Domes!
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is a Milwaukee iconic landmark in the middle of Mitchell Park.
The beehive-shaped domes are hard to miss, measuring in at 140 feet in diameter, 85 feet high, and 15,000 square feet!
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook Milwaukee architect, Donald L. Grieb, supposedly dreamt of The Domes in his sleep and woke up to immediately create a model out of wood and toothpicks at home. Due to a complex design and construction materials, The Domes took around a decade to complete.
The Domes consist of three different climates: Tropical, Desert, and Floral.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
The tropical dome will have you feeling like you’re in a rainforest, with dew and even wildlife living within the controlled habitat.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
The desert dome is filled with multiple kinds of cacti, and the dry heat will have you feeling far away from Milwaukee humidity.
Adam Kuban / Flickr
The floral dome is arguably the most popular dome, as the flower displays change seasonally and are absolutely beautiful, and the pond in the middle is the perfect spot to sit and read a book.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
The Domes holds many events year-round. Whether it’s a Christmas celebration, a craft fair, a concert, or a wedding, this public garden doubles as an incredible event space.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
Sometimes they even light up, and have a light show!
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
The Domes have had some troubles, though.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook Due to the complex structural design, maintenance has been an issue. Last year, a piece of concrete fell and closed the entire complex for reconstruction. Due to low funding for repairs, The Domes were places on the National Trust’s list for most endangered buildings.
Nevertheless, the beloved Domes are alive and well!
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook The Domes were repaired, and with support from the community, they are thriving!
The Mitchell Park Domes have even earned the title of National Treasure.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook After being open for 50 years, this Milwaukee landmark has earned a new title of National Treasure, and it’s bringing new life to the building.
No Milwaukeean could live without The Domes.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
d76 / Flickr Whether you’re attending an event or hanging out to avoid the midwestern winter, The Domes have a special place in every Milwaukeean’s heart.
The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, a.k.a. “The Domes” are located at 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee. Their hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends and holidays. You can find admission prices here.
Mitchell Park Domes / Facebook
The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is a Milwaukee iconic landmark in the middle of Mitchell Park.
Milwaukee architect, Donald L. Grieb, supposedly dreamt of The Domes in his sleep and woke up to immediately create a model out of wood and toothpicks at home. Due to a complex design and construction materials, The Domes took around a decade to complete.
Adam Kuban / Flickr
Due to the complex structural design, maintenance has been an issue. Last year, a piece of concrete fell and closed the entire complex for reconstruction. Due to low funding for repairs, The Domes were places on the National Trust’s list for most endangered buildings.
The Domes were repaired, and with support from the community, they are thriving!
After being open for 50 years, this Milwaukee landmark has earned a new title of National Treasure, and it’s bringing new life to the building.
d76 / Flickr
Whether you’re attending an event or hanging out to avoid the midwestern winter, The Domes have a special place in every Milwaukeean’s heart.
Let us know in the comments what The Domes mean to you!
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