Efforts are currently underway to preserve the historic Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee. But are the efforts progressing?
These structures created treasured memories and are of cultural significance for the community.
However, they’re more than 50 years old and the cost to maintain them may soon have them facing the wrecking ball.
For many years The Domes were part of the ‘must see’ itinerary for every out-of-town visitor to our state’s largest city. They were a popular destination for field trips from across the metro Milwaukee area. But time marches on.
In 2016, one of the Domes had to be temporarily closed due to concerns about falling debris. This incident ignited a community-wide discussion about the long-term sustainability of the domes. As a result, the ‘Domes Task Force’ was established to address these concerns.
After four years (yes, four years) the Task Force presented a recommendation for the future development of the Domes. However, the pandemic delayed any action on the recommendations.
Then, Milwaukee County distanced itself from the plan and claimed that the report was more as a conceptual vision rather than a recomended course of action.
So, as of today, the fate of these structures remains unknown.
What are The Domes?
The Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, designed by architect Donald L. Grieb, were completed in the 1960s and officially opened to the public in 1967.
There are three domes in the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory: the Desert Dome, the Tropical Dome, and the Show Dome.
The Desert Dome houses arid climate plants like cacti and succulents, while the Tropical Dome recreates a rainforest environment with a variety of lush greenery, exotic flowers, and even a waterfall. The Show Dome undergoes seasonal transformations, featuring themed floral displays throughout the year.
The Domes were constructed using what was then innovative techniques and materials. They primarily consist of concrete and steel, complemented by curved glass panels that form their distinctive dome shape.
These designs allow for precise control of temperature, humidity, and lighting, creating optimal conditions for the diverse plant species inside.
The Mitchell Park Domes became a beloved symbol of Milwaukee and beyond. They offered cultural and educational experiences for many in the surrounding community.
But they are no longer a novelty.
For decades, The Domes have hosted numerous events, educational programs, and exhibitions. They served as the backdrop for many a wedding and prom photo shoots long before the advent of Instagram. However, the domes are old and the cost to repair them may be prohibitive.
If you want to visit The Domes, either for the first time or for one last time, you may not want to wait long.
For further information, see: https://www.mitchellparkdomes.com/
