Attraction
The list of attractions available to Madison residents is a healthy one. Within city limits, locals and visitors can spend their time visiting museums, enjoying miles of lakefront shoreline or studying period architecture – residential and commercial. Notable sites for first-time visitors are the Wisconsin State Capitol, Wisconsin Historical Museum, Monona Terrace and the Governor’s Mansion.
The State Capitol was built between 1906 and 1917. Besides being an impressive addition to the city’s skyline, the building is significant for its location and for its eclectic design motif. The Governor’s conference room, for example, incorporates walls and ceilings designed after the Doge’s Palace in Venice, while other rooms are reminiscent of French and German styles. Wisconsin’s past is honored with the use of Wisconsin oak furniture and flooring, as well as with a themed mural by Edwin Blashfield.
Additional information about the heritage of Wisconsin is available at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. Permanent collections cover such subjects as Native American culture, local folk art, the frontier era and the work of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Wright was a prolific architect of the early-20th century and remains well known today. Born in Richland Center, Wis., Wright moved to Madison with his family in 1877. He studied briefly at the University of Wisconsin before departing to Chicago. Wright’s strong influence in Madison is demonstrated by the 1990s’ construction of the Monona Terrace convention center based on a Wright design from the 1930s. The structure was not completed until 1997, with the final design being carried out by an apprentice of Wright.
Another famous Madison structure is the Governor’s Mansion. Also known as the Executive Residence, the mansion has been the home of Madison’s governors since the 1940s. Located near the Lake Mendota shoreline, the 3.7-acre property featuring the mansion and its gardens is open for tours during the summer. The mansion itself is a three-story, 20,000-square foot home designed in the classical revival style.
In addition to these big-name attractions, Madison also has a large selection of more informal recreational facilities. These include bowling alleys, movie theatres, casinos and lounges.