Explore Wright's civic vision through bold architecture and Lake Monona views
75 mins
Building tour, Building history
Explore the story behind Monona Terrace, the lakeside civic center Frank Lloyd Wright first proposed in 1938. Trace nearly 60 years of political battles before the building finally opened in 1997.
Tour tickets are nonrefundable. Rescheduling is available. If the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a full refund or credit. No-shows are charged the full price.
Product ID: QSVW4H
No. Reserve by 11 am on the day of your tour; advance reservations are required.
Yes. The Gift Shop sells snacks, and beverage vending is available. The rooftop Lake Vista Cafe opens seasonally from late May to early September, weather permitting.
Monona Terrace Gift Shop
Perched at the edge of Lake Monona in the heart of Madison, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center invites you to step inside one of America's most celebrated works of civic architecture. The building's curving white forms seem to float above the water, drawing your eye outward across the shimmering lake. Whether you arrive for an event or simply to walk the rooftop garden, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center rewards curiosity at every turn, blending bold design with an open, public spirit that feels genuinely welcoming.
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