Project Profile

Project Description

One can almost hear the ripping, throaty roar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle upon viewing the industrial, frank steel structure of the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. A metal, modern tribute to this American icon, the 130,000 square foot museum is located on the shores of the Menomonee River on a 20-acre reclaimed industrial site.

Rather than find a decorative skin for the buildings comprising the museum, the designers turned to the motorcycles themselves for inspiration. Durability, long-life, quality – hot-dip galvanized steel encompasses all of these ideals, making it the natural selection to serve as an honest representation of the elements of Harley Davidson engineering. The architecture of the museum reveals exposed I-beams, columns, gusset plates and cross bracing, all open to the harsh effects of sun, snow, and rain. Hot-dip galvanized steel will withstand these tough elements, providing maintenance-free protection from the damaging effects of corrosion, both structurally and aesthetically.

With 2.5 million pounds of steel galvanized, good communication between the designers, fabricator, and galvanizer resulted in a smooth process with a quality product. Quick turnover and enormous savings compared to rendering the same look with paint sweetened the deal, as well. Now, this $75 million galvanized structure will stand as a durable, corrosion free homage to Harley Davidson history, culture, and engineering.