Harley-Davidson Museum
Wisconsin
The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a sprawling 130,000 square foot complex dedicated to chronicling the history of the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1903. Situated on a 20-acre site along the Menomonee River, the museum houses more than 450 motorcycles and hundreds of thousands of artifacts that tell the story of Harley-Davidson's development over more than a century. Visitors can explore permanent exhibitions spread over two floors, including the Motorcycle Gallery with a procession of bikes displayed down the main hall and the Harley-Davidson Journey gallery showcasing the brand's evolution from a small wooden shack to a leading motorcycle manufacturer. Highlights include "Serial Number One," the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle, displayed within an illuminated outline of the original backyard shed. The Engine Room offers interactive displays explaining Harley engines, while the Clubs and Competition gallery features a replica wooden board track and vintage racing motorcycles. Additional exhibits include the Gas Tank Gallery displaying 100 years of memorable tank graphics and the Custom Culture section. The museum also includes a restaurant, café, retail shop, and event spaces, providing a comprehensive cultural and historical experience for motorcycle enthusiasts and visitors alike.
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Consiglio: For the best experience, visit during weekdays or in the morning to avoid crowds. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to skip lines. The museum offers group tours and special events, so check their schedule. Motorcycle parking is plentiful, and the onsite restaurant provides a convenient dining option. Visitors interested in interactive exhibits should allow ample time to explore the Engine Room and Clubs and Competition galleries fully.
Fatti interessanti
- •The museum's site required a 4-foot layer of imported soil to cover contaminated ground before construction.
- •Scott Parker, a legendary Harley-Davidson racer, performed a burnout on a Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster to break ground instead of using a traditional shovel.
- •The museum features 'Serial Number One,' the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle, encased in glass within an illuminated outline of the original backyard shed where the company started.
- •The Clubs and Competition gallery includes a suspended replica wooden board track used for motorcycle racing in the 1920s, highlighting the sport's dangerous history.
- •The museum's façade includes a 17-foot tall steel Harley-Davidson sign, a striking landmark visible from the surrounding area.
Storia
The Harley-Davidson Museum opened on July 12, 2008, on a 20-acre site in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, an area with a rich industrial past.
Before the museum's construction, the land was used by the Milwaukee Department of Public Works and various companies, requiring soil remediation and landscape restoration.
The museum's design process, led by James Biber and the Pentagram team, spanned eight years before construction began in 2006.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured a unique burnout by legendary Harley-Davidson racer Scott Parker.
The museum was built to celebrate over a century of Harley-Davidson's history and culture, becoming a landmark for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
Guida del luogo
Motorcycle Gallery
Located on the upper level, this gallery features a procession of Harley-Davidson motorcycles displayed down the center of the main hall, showcasing the evolution of the brand's iconic bikes.
Harley-Davidson Journey
A series of interconnected galleries along the east side of the upstairs level presenting the company's history from its humble beginnings in a small wooden shack to becoming a leading motorcycle manufacturer.
Engine Room
Second-floor galleries featuring disassembled engines like the Knucklehead, with interactive touch screens explaining how various Harley engines work, including Panhead and Shovelhead models.
Clubs and Competition
This gallery showcases Harley-Davidson's racing heritage, including a replica wooden board track suspended at a 45-degree incline with vintage racing motorcycles and video footage of 1920s board track races.
Gas Tank Gallery
Exhibits 100 of Harley-Davidson's most memorable tank graphics spanning 70 years, originally part of the company's 100th Anniversary Open Road Tour.
Contatto
Telefono: (414) 287-2789
