One can almost hear the ripping, throaty roar of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle upon viewing the industrial, steel structure of the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Situated on a 20-acre reclaimed industrial site along the Menomonee River, the 130,000-square-foot museum is a bold tribute to Harley-Davidson’s history, engineering, and culture.

Rather than applying a decorative façade, the designers drew inspiration directly from the motorcycles themselves. Durability, longevity, and quality—ideals embodied by Harley-Davidson engineering—found a perfect match in hot-dip galvanized steel, making it the natural choice for the museum's structure.

The building’s design features exposed I-beams, columns, gusset plates, and cross bracing, all intentionally left visible to highlight durability and authenticity. To safeguard these elements against Milwaukee's harsh climate, the designers chose hot-dip galvanized steel for its exceptional corrosion resistance, minimal maintenance needs, and industrial aesthetic.

In 2007, over 2.5 million pounds of steel were hot-dip galvanized for the museum. Seamless collaboration between designers, fabricators, and galvanizers, achieved through careful planning and communication, ensured a smooth process and high-quality results. The choice of hot-dip galvanizing not only provided structural and aesthetic benefits but also offered significant cost savings and faster turnaround compared to traditional paint applications.

More than 15 years later, the Harley-Davidson Museum remains a testament to the enduring benefits of hot-dip galvanizing. Its $75 million structure stands resilient against corrosion, maintaining its original integrity and requiring minimal maintenance. Reflecting Harley-Davidson’s ideals of durability and craftsmanship, the museum continues to inspire, serving as a lasting symbol of the power of hot-dip galvanizing and thoughtful design.

Hot-dip galvanizing has fulfilled the Harley-Davidson Museum's long-term objectives by ensuring durability, corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance in Milwaukee's harsh climate. The galvanized steel also complements the museum's bold and iconic aesthetic, preserving both function and visual appeal over the decades.

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