Member Letter

When I first entered the Quadracci Pavilion, I was struck by how the experience changes you. The soaring height, shifting light, and expansive views of the lake create a sense of anticipation. Before you encounter a single work of art, the building invites you to look up, slow down, and become more open to discovery.

What a remarkable gift to Milwaukee.

This year, we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Quadracci Pavilion and the extraordinary experiences it has made possible. Built to Inspire: The Quadracci Pavilion at 25 invites you to explore the ambition behind its creation, the story of its construction, and the many ways it has become part of our shared civic life.

The celebration is not only about what happened twenty-five years ago. It is about what happens here every day: first encounters with art, family traditions, school visits, quiet moments, joyful gatherings, and memories that last a lifetime.

You are part of that story. I hope you will share your photographs, reflections, and moments large and small by tagging @Milwaukeeart for a chance to be featured during the anniversary celebration.

As we mark this milestone, we also mourn the passing of Donald Baumgartner, a steadfast advocate for the Museum and one of the visionary leaders who helped make the Quadracci Pavilion possible. His belief in Milwaukee, in art, and in the power of ambitious ideas lives on in this extraordinary place.

With gratitude,

Kim Sajet
Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director
Milwaukee Art Museum