Case Study | Harley-Davidson Museum

McNICHOLS® Bar Grating

Designers of the Harley-Davidson Museum wanted to design a modern facility that reflected the industrial heritage of Milwaukee. They also wanted to showcase the motorcycle brand’s free and fun-loving spirit.

They achieved their goals with McNICHOLS® Bar Grating, Wire Mesh and Perforated Metal — stylish, versatile products with integrity and strength. These products present Harley-Davison’s legacy of motorcycle, engine and accessory production with authenticity. Not only do the products reinforce the playful/industrial theme, they perform a variety of functions throughout the facility, both indoors and outdoors.

Bar Grating provides guardrails for an observation deck, Stair Treads and surfaces for landings, as well as a suspended pedestrian bridge. In one exhibit, a Bar Grating ramp simulates a hill climb, appearing to launch motorcycles into the air. In this application, the product demonstrates strength as well as a sleek appearance.

Like Bar Grating, Perforated Metal appears throughout the museum. It furnishes accent walls and lighting fixtures. Perforated panels clad the museum’s café, including an elevator area.

Wire Mesh forms an entryway to the museum gift shop that provides security after hours. Outside the museum, Wire Mesh infill panels secure a walkway running alongside the Menomonee River.

The three-building, 130,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson Museum debuted on a 20-acre campus in July 2008.

All told, the museum houses more than 450 motorcycles and historical items. It has become a major landmark and tourist attraction near downtown Milwaukee, hosting an estimated 300,000 visitors each year.

Bar Grating, Perforated Metal, and Wire Mesh provide a safe, comfortable and visually appealing experience for visitors as they experience the history of an iconic American brand.

Designers of the Harley-Davidson Museum wanted to create a modern facility that reflected the industrial heritage of Milwaukee. They also wanted to showcase the motorcycle brand’s free and fun-loving spirit.

They achieved the look with McNICHOLS® Bar Grating, Wire Mesh, and Perforated Metal. These products present Harley-Davison’s legacy of motorcycle, engine and accessory production with authentic style. Not only do the products reinforce the playful/industrial theme, they perform a variety of functions throughout the facility.

Bar Grating provides guardrails for an observation deck, stair treads and surfaces for landings, as well as a suspended pedestrian bridge. In one exhibit, a Bar Grating ramp simulates a hill climb, appearing to launch motorcycles into the air.

Like Bar Grating, Perforated Metal appears throughout the museum. It furnishes accent walls and lighting fixtures. Perforated panels clad the museum’s café.

Wire Mesh forms an entryway to the museum gift shop that provides security after hours. Outside the museum, Wire Mesh infill panels secure a walkway running alongside the Menomonee River.

The 130,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson Museum debuted in July 2008. All told, the museum houses more than 450 motorcycles and historical items. It has become a major landmark and tourist attraction near downtown Milwaukee, hosting an estimated 300,000 visitors each year.