Milwaukee Public Museum shares plans for rooftop terrace, updated exhibits in new building

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Public Museum held its fifth and final gallery reveal, which includes two fan favorites and a new rooftop terrace.

The Bucyrus Rooftop Terrace, unveiled Tuesday, is set to be a year-round space for visitors.

"It's not only to be a relaxing place to enjoy the fresh air, but it will also function as an outdoor classroom and special events space," Milwaukee Public Museum President & CEO Dr. Ellen Censky said.

Two current exhibits will be moving to the new building, the We Energies Foundation Gallery: Rainforest and the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium.

One of the first permanent exhibitions of its kind, the rainforest gallery transports you to the tropics. In the new museum, the birds that migrate south will lead you to the exhibit.

"So, if you could imagine taking that journey with these beautiful birds and insects mounted up high, and then you find yourself in this immersive, lush, gallery landscape," Senior Curator of Thinc Design Helen Divjak said.

You will also hear the many sounds of the rainforest and see its native species, like poison dart frogs and tarantulas.

After you leave the rainforest and its critters, you will be greeted by the free-flying butterflies and moths that so many love. In a YouTube video explaining the updated exhibits, Censky reveals the public wanted to see it in the new building.

"In polling the community for what their favorite exhibits are, the butterflies always were way up at the top," she said.

The museum will be housed in the Haymarket neighborhood. It will cover 200,000 square feet, blocks away from Deer District, standing at five stories. It is slated to open in 2026.