A report from the Isthmus newspaper explains how the renovations celebrate the past, present and future of the city by preserving the historical features of the building and incorporating spaces for not only city agency and division offices, but for artistic expression.

The building was originally built in 1929 in the neoclassical revival style, the Isthmus explains, to house a United States Post office and a federal courthouse. When the city purchased it in 1979, it stripped it of many of its original design features. The design process aimed to restore much of the building’s history and allowing for easier navigation and more natural light.

An art gallery was added to the second floor, and art is prominently displayed throughout the renovated building. The Municipal Building’s art collection emphasizes the work of Madison artists, including UW–Madison’s Faisal Abdu’Allah and Derrick Buisch, both faculty members of the School of Education’s Art Department. Liz Sexe, a lecturer with the School of Education’s Dance Department, gave a dance performance at the official reopening celebration on Dec. 8.

Read more about the Municipal Building’s reopening in this Isthmus report.