Mitchell Park Domes: A staple in Milwaukee's South Side

Artist's Statement

For my final project, I decided to focus on the Mitchell Park Domes. When researching the domes rich history, it's no wonder why it is such an important part of the South side, and Milwaukee as a whole. The Mitchell Park Conservatory was built in 1898, but had to be demolished in 1955 due to safety standards. The current domes were built in 1967 totaling just over $4.5 million. I was told that somewhere on the grounds there is a marker where Solomon Juneau had a trading post. I asked the domes information about this, and they told me that they have not been able to locate it yet. When I entered the domes, I was amazed at how beautiful they were. Up until this point I had never actually been inside the domes. I began my tour in the show dome which was decorated with a huge Christmas tree and lots of poinsettias. From the show dome I made my way into the desert dome. I was amazed at the tall bushes and wild vines. I even saw one cactus that was over 12 feet tall. I then headed into the tropical dome, which was by far the best dome of them all. There were beautiful waterfalls, magnificent trees, and birds flying over head. I spent the most time in the tropical dome as it had the most information. I saw the plant where chicklets come from, and a tree that's sap is used for motor oil. I learned a lot by visiting the Mitchell Domes. I would highly recommend taking a tour when the weather is nicer so that you can walk the park grounds as well.

I believe that the domes are an excellent example of how commercial development can not beat out historical treasures like the Mitchell Domes. The location of the domes isn't the greatest. It's right off of the highway along 27th street. If you know the area, you know that it is moslty buisnesses and Marquette High School. I believe that the domes beauty offers South siders a look back at their community's rich cultural history. Here is what some of the Loyola students had to say about the domes.

Mario: "I remember going to the domes for a field trip in elementary school. I remeber there were huge trees, and lots of birds in the tropical dome. I think that it's important to have the domes, because they are beautiful and give people something to do."

Celia: " I go past the domes on my way to school. I have never been to the domes, but they look really cool. They remind me of giant behives or something."

Veronica: " I have been to the domes once with my family. My favorite was the desert dome, because it felt like I was in Arizona or some place warm like that. I think that the domes are great because there is so much beauty inbetween all of the buisnesses."