The journey to expand and modernize Baird Center, formerly known as the Wisconsin Center, reached its pinnacle on April 2, 2020, when, after years of planning, the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) Board of Directors authorized WCD management to move ahead with the project.

On May 16, 2024, the city celebrated the grand opening of the $456 million Baird Center expansion and modernization project. Already a not-to-be-missed destination, Milwaukee is now the proud home of the Midwest’s most innovative convention center.

Every aspect of the project was thoughtfully and meticulously planned with a focus on innovation, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Explore construction facts, photo galleries, videos and important stories about the project and the people that built it for Milwaukee, by Milwaukee.