The Milwaukee Art Museum’s signature wings now have a new lighting system

Milwaukee’s skyline will be a little brighter during the holidays this year.

The Milwaukee Art Museum on Thursday unveiled a new lighting system under its signature wings — known as the Burke Brise Soleil — which bathes them in a spectrum of color.

During a lighting ceremony, Milwaukee Art Museum director Marcelle Polednik said the goal of the lights was to ensure the “beacon quality” of the museum continued on.

“It is really a special day,” Polednik said.

The museum said the wings will be lit up in a “vibrant spectrum of color” for all to see every night until the New Year. After the start of the year, the lights will be illuminated every Thursday night through the spring.

Scott Schwebel, the museum’s chief experience officer, said the lights will add “fun and more visual interest to the skyline of Milwaukee going forward.”

The Burke Brise Soleil is a moveable sunscreen that tops the museum. The wings fold and unfold every day.

They’re part of the Quadracci Pavilion, which was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The pavilion also includes Windhover Hall — which has a vaulted 90-foot-high glass ceiling — as well as a suspension bridge that connects the museum to the city.

Polednik said four years ago, the museum started to improve the building for the 20th anniversary of the Quadracci Pavilion. The new lighting system was part of that effort.

“The Quadracci Pavilion has been a beacon of light for this community for 21 years,” Polednik said.

Beth Weirick, the CEO of the Downtown Milwaukee Business Improvement District, said the new lights will also be used in unison with other downtown buildings that are lit up for special events and occasions.

“The enhanced lighting capabilities of the Quadracci Pavilion and the Burke Brise Soleil will bring further attention to these special events,” Weirick said.

The museum is located on a 24-acre lakefront campus. It’s the largest art institution in the state.