MILWAUKEE – The Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BCA) announced today plans to begin demolition of the property located at 2312 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, marking a significant step toward the creation of Milwaukee’s future African American Art and Culture Museum. The site will eventually be home to a world-class cultural institution dedicated to celebrating African American art, culture, and heritage.

Though the property will remain vacant while the BCA continues to develop plans and raise funds for the future museum project, the BCA is committed to making the space vibrant and active during the interim. With demolition clearing the way, the BCA will engage a landscape architect and collaborate with community members and stakeholders to envision and create a vibrant green space thoughtfully designed for the community to enjoy. The BCA’s goal is to create an attractive space that suits the needs of the neighborhood while plans for the museum continue to take shape.

“This is more than a demolition—it’s the beginning of a transformative journey for Bronzeville and for Milwaukee,” said Kristen Hardy, Acting Chair of the BCA Board of Directors. “We are thoughtfully moving forward to create a space that honors the legacy of African American art and culture, while inviting the community to be part of every stage of the process.”

The museum will be a cornerstone of the revitalization efforts in the historic Bronzeville district, helping to drive cultural tourism, community engagement, and economic development.

BCA will announce opportunities for public input on the temporary use of the site in the coming weeks. Community involvement is a core principle of the project, and BCA encourages residents, artists, and local leaders to participate in shaping the vision for this important space.

For updates and more information, please visit www.BCAMKE.org.

ABOUT BRONZEVILLE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Established in 2020, the Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BCA) seeks to establish a major new art museum in Bronzeville – a historically African American neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – to highlight the work of African American artists. The BCA seeks to advance institutional equity, connect intergenerational and diverse audiences, and provide a place for everyone to experience and develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for African American art.

The BCA promotes current and future artists and art professionals by opening a lens to the history and heritage of Black artists. Central to the BCA’s mission is removing barriers from the enjoyment of art and forging a future that is more creative, connected, and informed. Bronzeville’s bustling entrepreneurial and artistic history serve as the foundation for the BCA, inspiring us to continue to honor and embody this multifaceted heritage. Learn more at www.BCAMKE.org.