Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah will mark the completion of its $785,000 renovation with a public event on June 27.
The “Our Time to Shine Community Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum, 165 N. Park Ave. It will showcase new welcome areas and galleries, including new acquisitions to the permanent collection, many given in honor of the museum’s renovation.
Attendees can participate in free art activities and scavenger hunts for prizes, enjoy food trucks, browse the renovated museum shop, and sign up for a glass activity for $20 a person.
Executive Director Amy Moorefield said neither the museum’s galleries nor its accessibility had been updated in nearly 35 years. The renovation sought to maintain the museum’s historical character and charm while integrating modern enhancements focused on technology and engagement.
Construction began in December and finished on schedule. The improvements included new LED lighting, a new welcome center and visitors service desk, redesigned display cases for better viewing by children and people using wheelchairs, and interactive kiosks where people can handle glass-making tools and view video demonstrations on how glass paperweights are made.
The money for the renovation came from a $250,000 grant from the State of Wisconsin Building Commission, a $90,300 grant from the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau and contributions from community philanthropists. The balance was secured through a fundraising campaign titled “Our Time to Shine.”
“The response to our campaign from the community was overwhelming,” Moorefield said. “Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is honored to present our newly upgraded galleries and public spaces with our profound thanks to the public for supporting our renovations.”
The private, nonprofit museum is the only glass museum in Wisconsin. It annually attracts more than 32,000 visitors and glass enthusiasts. Admission is free.
The museum houses the world’s largest collection of antique and contemporary glass paperweights on public display. It also is home to the Mahler collection of Germanic drinking vessels dating to 1573, a collection of Victorian-era decorative glass baskets, and a significant collection of contemporary glass sculpture.
Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X at @DukeBehnke.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass invites community to see renovation
Reporting by Duke Behnke, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Duke Behnke, Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY Network
