A start to building Harley’s legacy – July 3, 2006

Harley-Davidson began construction of the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on June 1 by having dirt track racer Scott Parker break ground with a burnout on a XL 883R Sportster.
Held on the 20-acre parcel of land destined to hold the museum at 6th and Canal streets, the groundbreaking ceremony attracted a number of guests, including state and local government officials, representatives of Harley-Davidson riders, dealers, suppliers and employees, current and past company executives, and local business and community leaders.
“With over 100 years and millions of motorcycles behind us, Harley-Davidson has a rich history, an exciting present and a vibrant future,” said Jim Ziemer, CEO of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “In the years to come, the Harley-Davidson Museum will be a centerpiece of the Harley-Davidson experience. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony was a unique way for us to kick off the museum’s construction.”
Anticipated to open in 2008, the 130,000 square foot museum development will feature exhibit space as well as a restaurant, café, retail shop, meeting space, special events facilities and the company’s archives. Harley-Davidson officials say they expect 350,000 visitors annually from around the world.
“The Harley-Davidson Museum will showcase the unforgettable collection of motorcycles and historical items from our company’s vast archives,” said Stacey Watson, Harley-Davidson Museum director. “But even more importantly, it will celebrate the history of the company, the passion of the riders, and the stories of the employees, dealers and suppliers. These varied and fascinating stories are woven into the fabric of Harley-Davidson, shaping the legend and setting the stage for a bright future.”
The facility’s development will result in an estimated 500 on-site construction jobs. An estimated 70 full-time jobs will be created to staff the museum.
The Harley-Davidson Museum’s design architect is Pentagram of New York.