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Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass announces its embarkation on a renovation project that will enhance its mission, engagement, accessibility, and visitor experience for more than 32,500 annual visitors and glass enthusiasts.
The transformational renovation will maintain the museum’s historical importance, vintage character, and charm, while integrating modern enhancements focused on technology, accessibility, and elevating visitors’ experience.
To achieve the goals of modernization and enhancement, the museum has launched a capital campaign named, “Our Time to Shine.” Total investment for the project is $784,891. Approximately 85% of this amount has already been secured. Thanks to the generous contributions of community philanthropists, a lead grant of $250,000 from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, and $90,300 from the Fox Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, $125,000 remains to be raised.
“This campaign is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a true and lasting impact on the day-to-day operations of YOUR Museum,” states Executive Director, Amy Moorefield. “These thoughtfully planned improvements are long overdue — neither the museum’s galleries nor its accessibility have been updated in nearly 35 years.”
The museum is encouraging donations by offering limited edition glass Museum Medallions formed and imprinted on-site, collectible hand-blown ornaments featuring “Our Time to Shine” campaign charms, recognition on a commemorative donor wall, and naming opportunities for renewed galleries. Construction is scheduled for completion by mid-June 2026. The Museum will remain open during the remodeling.
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass wishes to thank Miron Construction (building partner), Community First Credit Union (lending partner), Bergstrom Automotive Family, and Jewelers Mutual (naming partners), the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Non-State Grant Program for Local Projects, and Fox Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau Tourism Grant Program.
For more information, please visit bmmglass.com/our-time-to-shine.
About Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
Ranked in the top five glass museums in the country, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass provides extraordinary glass experiences to spark fun, kindle creativity, and illuminate learning for all. Established in 1959, it has been an exclusively glass art museum since 2012, with four permanent collections: the world’s most representative collection of antique and contemporary glass paperweights, the Mahler collection of Germanic vessels dating from 1573, a collection of Victorian Era decorative glass baskets, and a significant collection of contemporary glass sculpture.
The museum is admission free and operates as a private, not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization, independent of the City of Neenah. Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). The honor of accreditation means the museum meets the rigorous standards of professionalism and best practices for museums set forth by AAM.
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is grateful to its seasonal sponsors:
Miron Construction, The Boldt Company, Jewelers Mutual, Northstar Asset Management, Community First Credit Union, City of Neenah, WI, Associated Bank, Legacy Private Trust Company, and Bergstrom Automotive. Supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Thank you also to our valuable media sponsors:
Wisconsin Public Radio, and 91.1 The Avenue.
A special thank you to our local community foundations and organizations:
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc., Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00am–4:30pm
Thursdays 10:00am–8:00pm and Sunday 1:00–4:30pm
Admission: FREE
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
165 North Park Avenue, Neenah, WI 54956
Telephone: 920-751-4658, Website: bmmglass.com, Social: @bmmglass
